Dizziness and Vertigo
EAR / DIZZINESS AND VERTIGO
Assessment of spinning, unsteadiness and balance problems linked to the inner ear with consultant ENT surgeon Dr Nurhani Yasmin Abdul Rahman at Kemena Pacific Hospital.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a feeling that you or the room are spinning. It is different from feeling faint or light headed. Many cases of vertigo come from the inner ear, which controls balance, and can be diagnosed with simple tests in clinic.
Symptoms
- A spinning sensation, often when turning in bed or looking up
- Unsteadiness or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Ringing in the ears or reduced hearing during attacks
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
Common causes
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), caused by loose crystals in the inner ear
- Inner ear inflammation after a viral infection
- Meniere's disease, with vertigo, hearing loss and ringing
- Ear infections
- Less commonly, problems outside the ear, such as blood pressure or nerve conditions
How Dr Yasmin assesses and treats dizziness
Dr Yasmin takes a careful history, examines the ears and eyes, and performs positional tests in clinic. A hearing test may be arranged. Many types of vertigo, especially BPPV, can be treated with a simple repositioning manoeuvre done in clinic. Others are treated with medicine, balance exercises or treatment of the underlying ear condition. If the cause may be outside the ear, she will advise on the right next step.
When to see an ENT specialist
- Repeated attacks of spinning
- Vertigo with hearing loss or ringing
- Dizziness that affects work, driving or daily life
Seek emergency care straight away for dizziness with sudden weakness, numbness, slurred speech, severe headache or double vision.
FAQs
Can vertigo be cured?
Many types can. BPPV often improves immediately after a repositioning manoeuvre.
Is dizziness always an ear problem?
No. It can also come from blood pressure, heart or nerve conditions, which is why a careful assessment matters.
Should I drive if I have vertigo?
Avoid driving until the attacks are controlled.