Our Specialities

Dizziness & Balance Disorders

Dizziness and balance disorders are conditions that affect a person's sense of stability, movement, and orientation. They may cause sensations of spinning, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or difficulty maintaining balance while standing or walking. These symptoms can arise from problems involving the inner ear, brain, nervous system, blood pressure, or other medical conditions. Persistent or recurring dizziness can interfere with daily activities and increase the risk of falls. A neurological evaluation helps identify possible causes and determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Common Symptoms of Dizziness & Balance Disorders

Symptoms may include vertigo, a spinning sensation, lightheadedness, unsteadiness while walking, difficulty standing upright, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and a feeling of being pulled to one side. Some individuals experience sensitivity to movement, difficulty walking in low-light conditions, or a fear of falling. Ringing in the ears or hearing changes may occur with certain inner-ear conditions. Symptoms can be brief or persistent and may worsen when changing head positions, standing up, or moving around.

Causes and Risk Factors

Dizziness and balance problems can have several causes. Common conditions include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, inner-ear disorders, migraine-associated vertigo, and blood pressure changes. Certain medications, dehydration, anaemia, and metabolic conditions may also contribute. Neurological causes can include disorders affecting the cerebellum, brainstem, or other parts of the nervous system. Identifying the underlying cause is important because treatment varies according to the condition responsible for the symptoms.

Diagnosis and Neurological Evaluation

Diagnosis begins with a review of symptoms, medical history, medication use, and the circumstances in which dizziness occurs. A neurologist may assess eye movements, coordination, walking pattern, reflexes, and balance. Depending on the findings, positional tests, hearing or vestibular assessments, blood tests, or brain imaging may be recommended. These evaluations help distinguish inner-ear problems from neurological or other medical causes and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis. Certain cases of BPPV may improve with specialised head-positioning manoeuvres. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can help improve balance, coordination, and tolerance to movement. Medication may be prescribed for selected causes or short-term symptom relief when appropriate. Managing migraine, reviewing medications, maintaining adequate hydration, and addressing other medical conditions may also help. Patients experiencing unsteadiness can benefit from fall-prevention measures and guided physiotherapy.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a neurologist if dizziness keeps returning, affects daily activities, or is accompanied by persistent balance difficulties. Seek emergency medical care if dizziness begins suddenly with difficulty speaking, double vision, weakness, facial drooping, severe headache, inability to walk, or loss of coordination. These symptoms may indicate a stroke or another serious condition and require immediate assessment.