Do you experience a sensation that the room is spinning, feel unsteady while walking, or lose your balance without warning? These symptoms may be due to vertigo or a balance disorder. Although many people describe it as “dizziness,” vertigo is a specific condition that often originates from the inner ear (vestibular system).
Vertigo can affect people of all ages and may interfere with daily activities, driving, and work. If you experience recurrent dizziness or imbalance, consult an ENT Specialist in Thane for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the false sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning when they are actually still. It is commonly caused by disorders affecting the inner ear, which plays a vital role in maintaining balance. Not all dizziness is vertigo. A detailed evaluation is necessary to identify the exact cause and guide treatment.
Symptoms of Vertigo & Balance Disorders
- Spinning sensation (Vertigo)
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- Dizziness triggered by changing head position
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty walking steadily
- Feeling pulled to one side
- Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
- Hearing loss (in some conditions)
- Sweating during vertigo episodes
Common Causes
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – the most common cause
- Vestibular Neuritis
- Labyrinthitis
- Ménière’s Disease
- Vestibular Migraine
- Inner ear infections
- Age-related balance disorders
- Head injury
- Rarely, neurological disorders
Diagnosis
A detailed ENT evaluation helps determine the cause of vertigo. Your assessment may include:
- Detailed medical history
- Ear examination
- Balance assessment
- Positional tests (such as the Dix-Hallpike test)
- Hearing tests (Pure Tone Audiometry)
- MRI or CT scan in selected patients
- Blood tests if clinically required
Accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment varies depending on the underlying cause.
Treatment for Vertigo
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include:
- Vestibular repositioning manoeuvres (such as the Epley manoeuvre) for BPPV
- Medications to relieve acute vertigo and nausea when appropriate
- Treatment of underlying ear infections
- Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
- Lifestyle and dietary advice in selected conditions
Many patients with BPPV experience significant relief after appropriate repositioning manoeuvres performed by a trained ENT specialist.
When Should You Consult an ENT Specialist?
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Recurrent episodes of vertigo
- Sudden severe dizziness
- Vertigo associated with hearing loss
- Frequent falls or imbalance
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty walking due to dizziness
Seek emergency medical care immediately if dizziness is accompanied by sudden weakness of the face or limbs, difficulty speaking, double vision, severe headache, loss of consciousness, or chest pain, as these symptoms may indicate a serious medical condition requiring urgent treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Seema Gupta?
- Experienced ENT Specialist & Head and Neck Surgeon
- Expertise in diagnosing and treating vertigo and inner ear disorders
- Comprehensive evaluation of balance disorders
- Personalized treatment plans based on the underlying cause
- Evidence-based, patient-centred care
Vertigo & Balance Disorders Treatment in Thane
Dr. Seema Gupta (MBBS, MS ENT, DNB, MRCS-ENT UK) provides expert diagnosis and treatment for vertigo, balance disorders, BPPV, Ménière’s disease, tinnitus, hearing loss, ear infections, and other ear, nose and throat conditions.
Consultation available at:
- Signita Wellness, Kasarvadavali, Ghodbunder Road, Thane West
- Highland Hospital,Kolshet Road, Thane West
Book an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation of vertigo and balance disorders to identify the underlying cause and receive personalized treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is the difference between vertigo and dizziness?
Vertigo is a spinning sensation caused by a disturbance of the balance system, whereas dizziness is a general term that may describe light-headedness, unsteadiness, or a feeling of faintness.
2.What is the most common cause of vertigo?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes. It occurs due to displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear and often causes brief episodes of vertigo with changes in head position.
3.Can vertigo be cured?
Many causes of vertigo, including BPPV, respond very well to treatment. The outcome depends on the underlying cause, which is why an accurate diagnosis is important.
4.Is vertigo a sign of a serious disease?
Most cases are caused by inner ear disorders and are not life-threatening. However, vertigo accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, difficulty speaking, or severe headache requires immediate emergency medical evaluation.
5.Can stress cause vertigo?
Stress itself does not usually cause vertigo, but it can worsen symptoms in some people and may contribute to vestibular migraine or make existing balance problems more noticeable.
6.What tests are needed for vertigo?
Your ENT specialist may perform positional tests, hearing tests such as Pure Tone Audiometry, and recommend imaging studies like an MRI when necessary.
7.What is the Epley manoeuvre?
The Epley manoeuvre is a series of head movements used to treat BPPV by repositioning tiny calcium crystals within the inner ear. It should be performed only after proper diagnosis by a trained healthcare professional.
8.When should I consult an ENT specialist for vertigo?
You should consult an ENT specialist if you have recurrent vertigo, imbalance, dizziness associated with hearing loss or tinnitus, or if your symptoms interfere with your daily activities.