tight tongue tie

What is BPPV?

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is a condition where small, crystal-like particles (ear stones) become dislodged from their normal position in the inner ear and move to other parts of the ear. This causes sudden episodes of dizziness when the head is moved into certain positions.

Symptoms:

Sudden dizziness or a feeling that the surroundings are spinning.

Dizziness is often triggered by head movements, such as lying down, turning over in bed, or looking up.

Nausea associated with dizziness.

Causes: BPPV occurs when small particles (crystals) in the inner ear dislodge and move into a canal where they don't belong. This can happen after a head injury, with aging, or for no apparent reason.

Treatment: The treatment often involves manual maneuvers like the Epley maneuver, which helps move the dislodged ear stones back to their correct position.

Exercises and head movements can help alleviate symptoms.

When should you see a doctor? If you experience sudden dizziness, you should consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A virus on the balance nerve simply means that the balance nerve (n. vestibulocochlearis) no longer functions as it should, which can cause sudden dizziness or loss of balance. This infection is also known as vestibular neuritis or vestibulitis.

What happens?

The condition – which is not always viral – affects the part of the balance nerve that sends signals from the inner ear to the brain, impairing the body's ability to maintain balance. This leads to sudden and often intense episodes of dizziness.

Symptoms:

Typically, you wake up in the morning feeling unwell and nauseous, but you may not necessarily notice anything wrong with your ears. Many people interpret the symptoms as a stomach infection since they consist of nausea and vomiting.

Sudden dizziness or a sensation that the surroundings are spinning.

Balance problems, especially when moving your head.

Nausea and vomiting due to dizziness.

There is usually no hearing loss with vestibular neuritis (if it is purely a balance nerve infection), but some people may experience mild discomfort in the ear.

Causes:

The primary cause is often a viral infection, which may be related to respiratory infections, colds, or the herpesvirus. The virus can affect the balance nerve and disrupt its function. In many cases, the reason why one balance organ suddenly stops working is unknown, but this can be measured by testing the function with advanced video goggles (known as VIHT equipment).

Treatment:

The treatment is primarily symptomatic and may include:

Medication for dizziness (e.g., antihistamines or benzodiazepines) to relieve dizziness.

Rehabilitation training (vestibular rehabilitation) to help restore balance and reduce symptoms over time.

Corticosteroids may be used in some cases to reduce inflammation in the balance nerve.

Prognosis:

Most people recover from vestibular neuritis within a couple of weeks, although there may be a period of balance problems that requires rehabilitation. However, it is not uncommon for some symptoms to improve slowly over the course of months.

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience sudden dizziness, balance problems, or nausea, you should consult a specialist to get a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that affects both balance and hearing. It is characterized by sudden episodes of dizziness (vertigo), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing problems, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.

Causes:

The exact cause of Ménière’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear (endolymphatic hydrops). This fluid accumulation can disrupt balance and hearing. It may be related to genetic factors, infections, trauma, or blood circulation issues.

Symptoms:

Dizziness (vertigo):

Sudden and intense episodes of dizziness that can last from minutes to hours.

Hearing problems:

Temporary or permanent reduced hearing, especially for low-frequency sounds.

Tinnitus:

A constant or periodic ringing sound in the ears.

Pressure sensation in the ear:

A feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear.

Course of the disease:

The symptoms often occur in episodes and can vary in intensity. Some individuals experience long periods without symptoms, while others have more frequent episodes. Over time, hearing may worsen, and the disease can lead to permanent hearing loss, especially in one ear.

Treatment:

There is no cure for Ménière’s disease, but treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent episodes:

Drainage tubes in the affected ear have been shown to help many patients.

Medications such as diuretics (water pills) to reduce fluid buildup.

Dizziness medications (e.g., antihistamines or betahistine) to reduce dizziness and general anti-nausea medication to treat episodes.

Dietary changes: Reducing salt intake to help manage fluid balance.

Vestibular rehabilitation: Exercises that help train balance.

Surgery: In rare cases, procedures such as endolymphatic shunts or balance nerve sectioning may be necessary if symptoms are severe.

Prognosis:

Ménière’s disease can be a chronic condition, but many individuals can live a normal life with treatment. However, permanent hearing loss in the affected ear is possible over time, and dizziness can be disabling in some cases.

When should you consult a specialist?

If you experience frequent dizziness, hearing problems, or tinnitus, you should contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and guidance on treatment.

Why It’s Important to See an ENT Specialist for Dizziness

Dizziness can be an uncomfortable and frightening experience, and it’s something many people will encounter at some point in their lives. Dizziness can stem from a wide range of causes, which is why it's crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis, particularly if the dizziness is persistent or severe. In some cases, dizziness may be a symptom of a serious underlying condition, such as a brain stroke or a brain tumor.

What Can Cause Dizziness?

Dizziness can arise from many different causes. Often, it is associated with problems in the balance organ of the inner ear or the nervous system. However, it’s important to remember that dizziness can also be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as:

Brain Stroke (Cerebrovascular Event): A blood clot can block blood flow to parts of the brain, leading to dizziness, balance issues, or other neurological symptoms.

Brain Tumor: Tumors affecting the balance centers in the brain or ear can also cause dizziness as an early symptom.

Why Should You See an ENT Specialist?

ENT specialists (also known as otolaryngologists) specialize in diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, and have the expertise needed to evaluate and treat dizziness stemming from issues in the balance organ, hearing, or related structures in the brain.

When you consult an ENT specialist, we will thoroughly assess your symptoms and rule out any serious causes. This includes:

Comprehensive Clinical Examination: The ENT specialist will evaluate your dizziness in relation to your other symptoms and medical history. We will ask about how the dizziness feels, how often it occurs, and whether there are additional symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, or sensory disturbances.

Balance and Hearing Tests: Dizziness can be caused by a disturbance in the balance organ of the inner ear, so the ENT specialist may conduct specific tests to evaluate whether your balance functions are normal.

Referral for Further Investigations: If we suspect that the dizziness may be due to a more serious condition such as a stroke or brain tumor, we will refer you for additional tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to get an accurate diagnosis.

Early Diagnosis is Crucial

An early and correct diagnosis is essential for receiving the right treatment and preventing potential complications. If the dizziness is due to a serious condition such as a brain stroke or tumor, early intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery and prognosis.

Conclusion

Dizziness can be caused by many different factors, and it’s important not to ignore symptoms, especially if they are new, sudden, or persistent. By being examined by an ENT specialist, you can rule out serious causes of dizziness and receive the right treatment quickly. If you’re uncertain about the cause of your dizziness or if you have any other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help.

We’re here to help and ensure you receive the best possible treatment.

But shouldn't I just get a scan?

Large international studies have shown that a thorough examination by a specialist (which involves advanced testing of the vestibulocochlear reflex using VHIT glasses, conducted according to the HINTS principles) can more effectively rule out a stroke or brain hemorrhage than both a CT and MRI scan combined.

Therefore, you should always consult your ENT doctor if you experience dizziness. At Charlottenlund Privathospital, we have no waiting time for dizziness examinations and treatment.