Vertigo & Dizziness

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is the uncomfortable sensation of the room spinning around a patient. It can be highly debilitating and may reflect a problem in the inner ear (balance centre).

What are the symptoms of vertigo?

The duration of the vertigo will vary depending on the cause. Vertigo of short duration (seconds) may represent dislodgement of inner ear nerve tissue (a crystal-like substance). In this instance a repositioning manoeuvre may be required. If the vertigo last hours and is associated with nausea, vomiting or headaches, it may represent inflammation in the balance nerve that goes to the brain (labrynthitis/vestibular neuronitis) or a vestibular migraine. Very uncommonly vertigo can be caused by Meniere’s Disease and this if often associated with a blocked ear, tinnitus and fluctuating hearing loss.

How do you treat vertigo?

Treatment of vertigo will be tailored to the underlying cause. A patient may often be required to have a hearing & balance test and potentially an MRI.

What does surgery/treatment involve?

Depending on the cause, treatment will include prevention strategies and symptom control. Surgery is rarely required to treat this condition.