A SPINNING SENSATION WITH MULTIPLE CAUSES

Vertigo

Q: How do I know if my dizziness is vertigo?

Vertigo specifically refers to a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. General dizziness, light-headedness or unsteadiness without this spinning sensation may have different causes such as low blood pressure, dehydration or anxiety.

Q: What is BPPV and how is it treated?

BPPV is caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear becoming displaced, triggering vertigo with specific head positions. It is highly treatable with specific positional manoeuvres performed by the doctor, which reposition the crystals — often resolving symptoms in one or a few sessions.

Q: When is vertigo a sign of something serious?

Vertigo with severe headache, weakness, double vision, slurred speech, difficulty walking, or sudden hearing loss may indicate stroke or other serious brain conditions and needs urgent evaluation.

A sensation of spinning, tilting or imbalance, often from inner ear disorders, but sometimes from brain or other causes. Careful evaluation identifies the cause and guides targeted treatment.

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Vertigo balance evaluation and care in Hyderabad

Spinning Sensation HALLMARK FEATURE

Inner Ear COMMON CAUSE

Treatable WITH TARGETED THERAPY

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What is Vertigo

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterised by a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, tilting or moving when they are not. It is different from light-headedness or general unsteadiness. Vertigo can be caused by problems in the inner ear (peripheral vertigo) or, less commonly, in the brain or its connections (central vertigo). Common peripheral causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Ménière's disease and labyrinthitis. Central causes include stroke, multiple sclerosis and tumours. Typical features include a spinning sensation, nausea, vomiting, imbalance, difficulty walking, sweating and sometimes hearing changes or ringing in the ears. Evaluation includes detailed history, examination, specific positional tests and, in selected cases, imaging. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include positional manoeuvres, vestibular rehabilitation, medical therapy and treatment of the specific condition. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive vertigo evaluation and care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

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Symptoms that need attention

Sensation of spinning, tilting or movement Nausea and vomiting Imbalance and difficulty walking Sweating and pallor during attacks Hearing changes or ringing in the ears (in some causes) Triggered by head position changes in BPPV Severe vertigo lasting hours to days in vestibular neuritis

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis
Ménière's disease
Migraine-associated vertigo
Stroke or brain conditions (central vertigo)
Multiple sclerosis in some patients
Medications affecting the inner ear

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

Diagnosis

Clinical evaluation with positional tests; imaging in selected cases

Types

Peripheral (inner ear) · Central (brain)

Treatment

Positional manoeuvres, vestibular rehabilitation, medical therapy and treating the cause

BPPV

Often resolves quickly with specific positional manoeuvres

Red flags

Severe headache, neurological signs, persistent symptoms or hearing loss need urgent evaluation

Hospital

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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Targeted Manoeuvres & Cause-Specific Care

The most effective approach is identifying the underlying cause through detailed history, examination and positional tests, followed by targeted treatment — repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV, vestibular rehabilitation for other inner ear causes, and specialist care for central or refractory cases.

1

Consultation & Assessment

Dr. Pravallika reviews the pattern, triggers and associated symptoms, performs examination including positional tests and arranges imaging when red-flag features are present.
2

Treatment Planning

A personalised plan is created based on the identified cause, with positional manoeuvres, vestibular rehabilitation or medical therapy as appropriate.
3

Medical Management

Positional manoeuvres for BPPV, anti-vertigo medical therapy for acute episodes, vestibular rehabilitation and treatment of underlying conditions.
4

Recovery & Follow-up

Follow-up review to assess response and arrange specialist referral for refractory or central vertigo.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Treatment Options

Positional Manoeuvres for BPPV

Specific repositioning manoeuvres effectively treat BPPV in most patients in one or a few sessions.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Structured exercises and physiotherapy help the brain adapt to inner ear dysfunction, particularly in vestibular neuritis and other peripheral causes.

Anti-Vertigo Medical Therapy for Acute Episodes

Short-term medical therapy controls severe vertigo, nausea and vomiting during acute episodes.

Treatment of Underlying Conditions

Specific treatment is provided for Ménière's disease, migraine-associated vertigo, vestibular neuritis or other identified causes.

Specialist Referral for Central or Refractory Vertigo (Referral for ENT / neurology)

Patients with suspected central vertigo, refractory symptoms or specific conditions benefit from specialist ENT or neurology care.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dizziness is vertigo?+

What is BPPV and how is it treated?+

When is vertigo a sign of something serious?+

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