Vertigo & Balance Disorders

Dizziness is not always an inner-ear problem

Vertigo and balance assessment diagnoses and manages dizziness and balance problems that may come from the inner ear. Not all dizziness is an inner-ear disorder, so the cause is sought before treatment is named.

• Spinning, unsteadiness and what triggers the spells are described
• Hearing change, ear fullness and headache are asked about
• Other causes of dizziness are kept in mind during the examination

Diagnosis of vertigo and balance disorders

The history often matters as much as the examination. The visit separates inner-ear vertigo from dizziness that needs a different explanation.

• The pattern of attacks helps point towards or away from the inner ear
• Ear and balance examination is matched to that story
• Tests are requested when they would confirm or redirect the diagnosis

Management once the cause is clearer

Management follows the diagnosis. Some inner-ear conditions are treated in clinic, and some dizziness needs another specialty rather than an ear operation.

• Treatment is discussed only after a likely cause is identified
• An operation is not the assumption for dizziness
• Follow-up reviews whether the spells are changing with the plan

Balance assessment at Estecenter in Şişli, Istanbul, looks beyond the inner ear because not all dizziness starts there.