Dizziness is one of the most unsettling symptoms there is, and one of the most frequently dismissed. A great many people are told there is nothing to be done, when in fact the common causes respond well to specific treatment.
The most useful thing at the first appointment is working out what kind of dizziness you have, because the word covers several quite different experiences. Short violent spinning triggered by turning over in bed or looking up. A constant sense of being on a boat. Light headedness on standing. Unsteadiness on your feet without any spinning at all. Those have different causes and different treatments.
More information
BPPV, and why it is worth getting seen
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is caused by tiny crystals moving out of place within the inner ear. It produces intense spinning lasting seconds to a minute, reliably triggered by particular head movements. It responds to specific repositioning manoeuvres, frequently within one or two appointments, which is one of the more satisfying things in physiotherapy. People routinely endure it for months first.
Persistent unsteadiness
After a viral illness affecting the inner ear, or after any vestibular injury, the brain has to relearn how to interpret altered signals. A graded programme of eye, head and balance exercises drives that adaptation. It takes weeks rather than minutes, and it works.
What we do not treat
Light headedness on standing is often a blood pressure or medication matter for your GP. Dizziness with new deafness in one ear should be seen by a doctor promptly.
When it is an emergency
Sudden dizziness with slurred speech, facial or limb weakness, double vision, a severe headache or difficulty walking needs emergency assessment. Ring 999.
