Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or imbalance, often described as if you or your surroundings are moving when they are not. It is a symptom, not a disease by itself. The key point to understand is that vertigo can arise from many different causes—not all of them are related to the ear.

 

That is why correct diagnosis is essential before starting treatment. Medicines should never be given blindly, as some forms of vertigo may be due to serious underlying conditions in the brain (central causes).

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Why Proper Diagnosis is Important

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• Many people assume vertigo always comes from ear balance problems or BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).

• However, vertigo can also be caused by neurological, vascular, or systemic issues.

• Central causes such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors must always be ruled out, since missing these can delay life-saving treatment.

• Treating vertigo without identifying the cause may give temporary relief but can hide dangerous conditions.

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Common Causes of Vertigo

Inner Ear / Balance-related

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• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) – small crystals in the inner ear become displaced.

• Vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis – viral or bacterial infection of the inner ear.

• Meniere’s disease – inner ear fluid imbalance causing vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss.

• Chronic ear diseases – long-standing middle ear or inner ear disorders.

 

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Neurological / Central causes

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• Stroke or mini-stroke (TIA).

• Brainstem or cerebellar lesions.

• Multiple sclerosis.

• Migraine-associated vertigo.

 

 

Other causes

 

• Low blood pressure, dehydration.

• Side effects of medicines.

• Anxiety or panic disorders.

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Treatment Options

 

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and is individualized for each patient:

 

• For BPPV: Canalith repositioning maneuvers (Epley’s or Semont’s exercises) – no medicines usually required.

• For vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis: Short course of vestibular suppressants, anti-viral/antibiotics (if needed), followed by vestibular rehabilitation exercises.

• For Meniere’s disease: Salt restriction, diuretics, lifestyle modifications, intratympanic injections in resistant cases.

• For migraine-associated vertigo: Migraine preventive medicines, lifestyle changes, and diet control.

• For central causes: Specific treatment depending on the diagnosis (stroke treatment, neurological medicines, etc.).

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Vertigo Exercises

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• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) helps the brain adapt and restore balance.

• These include eye, head, and body exercises taught by specialists.

• Exercises are especially useful after vestibular neuritis, BPPV, or chronic imbalance.

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Why Choose Respire?

 

At Respire ENT & Pulmonology, we provide:

 

• Comprehensive evaluation with advanced diagnostic tools to find the exact cause of vertigo.

• Specialized vertigo treatment programs, including repositioning maneuvers, medications, and rehabilitation exercises.

• Multidisciplinary care, ensuring that central and neurological causes are not missed.

 

✨ Here at Respire, we believe that accurate diagnosis leads to the best treatment. That’s why we offer the most reliable and advanced care for patients with vertigo.