by Ms Joanna C Stephens, Consultant Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon
Balance problems are very common and affect many people at some point in their lives.
Whilst a balance problem is happening, it can be very distressing and worrying, but do not despair – many of these conditions are treatable and will subside in time.
What will happen at my appointment?
Your ENT doctor will take a detailed history of exactly when your symptoms began and what they are, and when these symptoms occur. Your doctor will ask you in detail about any dizzy spells, which sometimes are vertigo i.e. a spinning/rotational sensation, and sometimes are due to a feeling of light-headedness or unsteadiness.
Your ENT doctor will also perform or arrange a hearing test and carry out a detailed neurological examination.
What tests will I need?
Often the process described above is all that your doctor needs to make a diagnosis and provide a treatment plan.
You may need more detailed balance tests but this is unusual.
You may need to have an MRI scan (or an alternative scan if you cannot undergo an MRI scan)
What treatment will I need?
Of course, the treatment depends on the diagnosis, and there are many different issues which can cause balance problems.
Sometimes your doctor will perform the Epley manoeuvre. This is a re-positioning manoeuvre which is done during your appointment to treat a problem of BPPV (Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo).
Sometimes your doctor will start you on tablets to treat Meniere’s Syndrome and these can be Betahistine, or blood pressure tablets.
Some of the conditions which may be diagnosed:
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is a feeling of often very intense vertigo (or spinning sensation) which comes on quite suddenly and can last for a few days or up to a few weeks. It will usually settle down in time, and needs treatment only to help with the nausea or vomiting caused by the dizziness.
BPPV
Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) is a common problem caused by tiny particles in the inner ear balance system moving into the wrong area temporarily. This causes intermittent episodes of dizziness or vertigo which often occur on turning the head, for example whilst rolling over in bed. This can be treated in the outpatients clinic with the Epley Manouvre, which is a simple procedure designed to encourage the particles back into the correct position.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s is an uncommon problem, where patients suffer with episodes of dizziness or vertigo, which can occur at the same time as tinnitus or changes in the hearing. Over time the hearing can be affected. There are lots of different treatment options available and these include blood pressure tablets, Betahistine tablets, or steroid treatments.
If you have any concerns Ms Joanna Stephens is available at One Hatfield Hospital either by booking directly through our Reservations Team on 01707 44 33 33 or by referral from your GP
One Hatfield is unique providing diagnostic care and same or next day appointments, and is ideally located for patients in Hatfield, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, North London and throughout Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
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