Possible symptoms
Dizziness is described very differently from person to person. Some patients report short, intense spinning attacks when turning in bed, others a lasting unsteadiness over hours or days.
- Spinning or swaying dizziness, often in attacks
- Unsteadiness when walking, especially in the dark
- Nausea, vomiting or sweating during an attack
- Accompanying hearing loss, tinnitus or pressure in the ear
- Eye twitching (nystagmus) noticed by relatives during an attack
When an ENT assessment makes sense
An assessment is useful when dizziness recurs, lasts longer, comes with changes in hearing or with tinnitus, or restricts everyday life. An examination of the ear can also be appropriate after a middle ear infection or another infection.
Important: sudden severe dizziness together with speech problems, weakness, visual disturbance, reduced consciousness, severe headache or double vision is an emergency. In that case call 144 (112 across the EU) immediately.
How the examination works
It starts with a detailed conversation about the type, duration and triggers of the dizziness, previous illnesses and medication. An ENT examination follows, including assessment of the ears, nose and throat.
Depending on the picture, orienting balance and eye movement tests, positioning manoeuvres and a hearing test are used. If a cause outside the ear is suspected, referral for further diagnostics follows, for example to neurology or imaging.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause that is found. For certain forms of positional vertigo, repositioning manoeuvres can be used. For inflammatory or other inner ear causes, medication may be considered.
Balance training or physiotherapy can be recommended in addition. Which measure is suitable in an individual case is discussed personally; a particular treatment result cannot be promised.