The timing and triggers are useful clues
Tell us whether symptoms last seconds, minutes, hours or continuously. Rolling over in bed, standing up and walking can trigger different patterns. Mention nausea, headache, ear symptoms, changes in hearing and any difficulty walking.
Dizziness can be related to the inner ear, migraine, blood-pressure changes, medicines or other conditions. Brief spinning with head movement can occur in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), but not every dizzy spell is BPPV.
Tests are selected after the examination
The consultation may include an examination of eye movements, balance and the nervous system, with position or blood-pressure checks when appropriate. The findings help decide whether a vestibular test or another investigation is useful.
Our examination guide includes videonystagmography (VNG), video head impulse testing (vHIT), vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) and caloric testing. These tests examine different aspects of balance function. You do not need the whole set simply because you feel dizzy.
A practical plan for the next episode
Management depends on the cause. It may involve a suitable repositioning procedure for confirmed BPPV, medicine or advice about safe activity. A normal result from one test does not explain every possible source of dizziness.
Sit or lie down if you feel unsafe. Avoid driving, ladders and machinery while dizzy. Please call before a scheduled balance test to ask about food and medicines; do not stop prescribed treatment without instructions.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
A little preparation helps.
- Write down the duration, frequency and triggers of episodes.
- List medicines and note any hearing change or headache.
- Bring previous test results; consider coming with someone if walking is difficult.
Related clinic guides
Further reading
General information for patients; your assessment and treatment depend on your individual circumstances.