Giddiness / Vertigo

Vertigo & Giddiness

Vertigo is a sensation where you or the environment around you feels like it is moving or spinning. This may come on spontaneously or be triggered by changes in head position. Vertigo can be mild or very severe. In serious cases it can affect your balance, make walking difficult, or cause nausea and vomiting.

Vertigo may arise because of a problem in the inner ear balance organ (known as peripheral vertigo) or, less commonly, from problems in the brain or balance pathways (central vertigo). A proper assessment by an ENT specialist helps to identify the cause and plan appropriate treatment.

Common Symptoms

People experiencing vertigo or giddiness often report the following:

A spinning or swaying sensation, even when standing still
Sudden dizziness when moving the head or changing position
Difficulty balancing or unsteadiness when walking or standing
Nausea or vomiting
Feeling light-headed or disoriented after an episode
Sometimes associated ear symptoms such as hearing changes, fullness, or ringing (tinnitus) depending on the underlying cause

Common Causes

Vertigo can result from a variety of inner ear or neurological conditions. Common causes include:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

This is one of the most common causes of vertigo.

It typically causes short, intense episodes of spinning when you tilt the head backward, turn over in bed or look up. These episodes may last several seconds to a few minutes, often accompanied by nausea.

2. Vestibular Neuronitis or Acute Labyrinthitis

These conditions involve inflammation of the inner ear balance organ or the vestibular nerve, often after a viral infection. The vertigo is more persistent and aggravated by any head movement. Sometimes hearing may also be affected (in labyrinthitis).

3. Meniere's Disease

Characterised by recurrent vertigo attacks, ear fullness or pressure, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ear). The spells often come without warning and may last from 20 minutes to several hours.

4. Central Causes

In less common cases, vertigo may originate from the brain or central nervous system, such as in migraine-related vertigo, spinal or brain conditions, or after injury. If a central cause is suspected, your ENT specialist may refer you for further evaluation.

How We Diagnose Vertigo

At your ENT consultation, we will perform a careful evaluation to determine the cause of your giddiness or vertigo:

A detailed medical history including timing, triggers, duration and associated symptoms (hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness, nausea)
Physical examination including ear, nose and throat check to rule out ear or sinus diseases
Hearing test and balance testing when indicated
Specific positional tests such as the Dix‑Hallpike test to diagnose BPPV
Imaging or further referral when a central cause or complex diagnosis is suspected

Treatment & Management

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of vertigo:

For BPPV: positional manoeuvres (such as the Epley manoeuvre) may be performed to reposition inner-ear crystals and relieve vertigo.
For inner-ear inflammation (vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis): medication, rest, and initial balance-rehabilitation. Hearing may also be addressed if affected.
For Meniere’s Disease: lifestyle and dietary modifications (e.g. salt intake), symptom-relief medication, and long-term monitoring. In rare cases, surgical options may be considered.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: tailored exercises and balance training may help in many cases, especially if episodes recur or balance remains unsteady.
Referral for non-ear causes: when vertigo is suspected to come from brain, vascular or systemic conditions, further evaluation and co-management with neurologists or other specialists may be required.

What to Expect & Self-Care Tips

Many causes of vertigo respond well to appropriate treatment and balance exercises
Recovery from acute inner-ear inflammation may take days to weeks, with gradual reduction in symptoms
For recurrent conditions like Meniere’s disease or BPPV, episodes may return — long-term care and monitoring can help reduce frequency and severity
Stay hydrated, avoid sudden head movements and lying flat during an acute attack
During vertigo episodes, avoid driving or operating machinery until symptoms resolve

When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

You should see a doctor immediately if you experience:

Sudden onset vertigo with severe headache, double vision, speech difficulty or weakness (possible neurological cause)
Persistent vomiting leading to dehydration
Sudden hearing loss, ear discharge or severe ear pain
Recurrent falls, loss of balance or fainting

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is vertigo the same as dizziness?

Not always. Vertigo specifically refers to a spinning or motion sensation, whereas dizziness may also mean light-headedness, unsteadiness or faintness. Proper diagnosis helps differentiate between them.

2. Can vertigo resolve on its own?

Yes, some causes such as inner-ear inflammation may improve over time with rest and supportive care. However, recurrent or severe vertigo should be evaluated by an ENT specialist to prevent complications.

3. Is BPPV serious?

BPPV tends to be benign and often very effectively treated with positional manoeuvres. However it can recur and falls or accidents may happen if vertigo strikes suddenly so proper diagnosis and treatment are important.

4. Will I need tests or scans?

Many cases are diagnosed with clinical history, ear examination and balance tests. Imaging is reserved for suspected central causes, tumours or complex disorders.

5. Can lifestyle changes help manage vertigo?

Yes. For recurring vertigo (such as in Meniere’s disease) measures such as reducing salt intake, avoiding triggers (caffeine, alcohol, stress), maintaining hydration, and proper balance care may reduce frequency of attacks.

Next Steps — Book a Consultation

If you have experienced recurrent or unexplained giddiness, vertigo, dizziness or imbalance, schedule a consultation at My ENT Specialist. We will conduct a detailed assessment, including ear and balance evaluation, and guide you to the most appropriate treatment plan for lasting relief.