Dizziness & Imbalance
Quick answer: Dizziness can come from the inner ear (BPPV, vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease), the brain (migraine, stroke), the cardiovascular system, medications, or anxiety. Distinguishing vertigo (true spinning, usually inner ear) from lightheadedness (faintness, usually cardiovascular) from disequilibrium (unsteadiness) helps focus the workup. Capital ENT's evaluation includes hearing testing in a sound-isolation booth, with referral for videonystagmography (VNG) and CT or MRI when indicated. Sudden hearing loss with dizziness, severe headache, weakness, or trouble speaking is a medical emergency; seek immediate care.
Do you experience episodes of dizziness or imbalance? If you do, you are not alone. Dizziness is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor; it accounts for roughly 1 in 30 emergency department visits in the United States, according to a national emergency department analysis. Dizziness symptoms, which may vary from one person to another, may include lightheadedness, feeling off balance, or vertigo (the illusion that your surroundings are moving), the symptom at the center of the AAO-HNS BPPV guideline.
Determining the cause of your dizziness requires a thorough evaluation of your balance system. Our ENT physicians and audiologists evaluate the ear and balance system together. When the cause turns out to sit outside the ear, we coordinate with the right specialist, usually cardiology or neurology.
Imaging is not needed for most inner-ear causes such as BPPV, but it helps when the exam points elsewhere. Our in-office CT scanner gives high-resolution pictures of the middle ear, and an outpatient MRI can check the brain for causes of dizziness.
Our audiologists use the latest in sound isolation booth technology to obtain highly accurate hearing testing. This evaluation is critical as many causes of dizziness may also cause hearing loss, and a sudden drop in hearing needs prompt testing under the sudden hearing loss guideline. They may also refer you for a test called videonystagmography (VNG), which allows them to evaluate the different parts of the balance system to determine which part is causing the problem.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation. Every patient is unique. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific symptoms and treatment options.
Experiencing Dizziness or Balance Problems?
Capital ENT's physicians and audiologists can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your dizziness. Same-day and next-day appointments often available.