Vertigo / Dizziness

Vertigo is a symptom rather than a disease and usually indicates a problem within the vestibular system, which includes the inner ear and balance-related pathways in the brain. Dizziness is a broader term that may describe sensations of faintness, imbalance, or disorientation.

Episodes may be brief or prolonged and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or difficulty walking, depending on the underlying cause.

Vertigo and dizziness may arise from a variety of conditions, including:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear, leading to brief spinning sensations with head movement

• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the balance nerve, often following viral infection

• Meniere’s disease: A chronic inner ear condition associated with fluid imbalance, hearing changes, and tinnitus

• Vestibular migraine: Dizziness or vertigo associated with migraine disorders

• Head or neck trauma: Disruption of vestibular function following injury

• Neurological or circulatory disorders: Including low blood pressure, stroke, or nerve conditions

• Medication side effects: Certain medications may affect balance or coordination

Identifying the cause is essential for appropriate treatment selection.

Symptoms may include:

• Sensation of spinning or movement

• Loss of balance or unsteadiness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Motion sensitivity

• Ringing in the ears

• Blurred vision

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feeling pulled to one side

Symptoms that interfere with walking, driving, or daily activities should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive assessment that may include:

• Clinical history and physical examination

• Hearing and balance tests

• Dix–Hallpike maneuver for BPPV assessment

• Videonystagmography (VNG) to record eye movements

• Imaging studies (MRI or CT) when neurological causes are suspected

• Blood pressure and cardiovascular evaluation when indicated

These evaluations help determine the underlying cause and guide treatment planning.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms and is tailored to each patient.

Repositioning Maneuvers

For BPPV, specific head and body movements (such as the Epley maneuver) are used to reposition displaced inner ear particles. These procedures are non-invasive and often provide rapid symptom relief.

Medication Therapy

Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or underlying conditions, including:

• Vestibular suppressants for acute dizziness

• Anti-nausea medications

• Anti-inflammatory or antiviral drugs for inner ear infections

• Migraine-related medications for vestibular migraine

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

This specialized physical therapy focuses on retraining the brain to improve balance and coordination. VRT is effective for long-term recovery from many vestibular disorders.

Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications

Management may include:

• Reducing salt intake for Meniere’s disease

• Avoiding caffeine or alcohol when indicated

• Maintaining hydration

• Managing stress

• Gradual return to normal activities

Most patients experience significant improvement with appropriate diagnosis and management. Conditions such as BPPV and vestibular neuritis often resolve completely, while chronic conditions can be managed to reduce frequency and severity of episodes.

Vertigo can affect daily activities, emotional well-being, and confidence. Patient education, rehabilitation, and ongoing monitoring play an important role in long-term management.

Patients may be guided on:

• Safe movement strategies

• Sleep and hydration habits

• Avoiding known triggers

• Gradual physical activity resumption

Treatment cost depends on:

• Diagnostic tests required

• Type of therapy or medication

• Number of rehabilitation sessions

• Need for specialist consultations

Cost details are discussed during clinical evaluation based on the individual care plan.