Have You Been Feeling Dizzy?

Most of us have felt dizzy from time to time – but constant vertigo can be debilitating. Here’s the lowdown on what could be causing it

- Clare Swatman

Ever felt light-headed after standing up too quickly? It happens. However, feeling dizzy on a more regular basis can really affect your life. The trouble is, the cause of the dizziness can often be tricky to diagnose.

‘Because there’s no single cause for dizziness, patients are often referred to a number of different specialists including neurologists, ENT surgeons, cardiologists and physios,’ explains Professor Diego Kaski, consultant neurologist for the National Hospital for Neurology and Neuro Surgery at University College London. ‘There is also lots of misleading advice out there, which doesn’t help.’

However, Professor Kaski is confident that, in most cases, it is possible to work out the cause of dizziness. Here, we explain what might really be going on.

BPPV

BPPV stands for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and is caused by calcium crystals in the inner ear floating around and getting stuck on balance sensors.

‘This is by far the most common cause of dizziness,’ says Professor Kaski. ‘It causes spells of acute dizziness, usually triggered by movement, and is made worse when you move your head to the side or up and down.’

The condition is usually diagnosed following tests called Dix-Hallpike tests, which are positional and movement tests.

TREATMENT It’s treatable in the large majority of cases by a re-positioning movement known as the Epley Manoeuvre, a technique carried out by a specialist. ‘This is effective in 80-90% of cases,’ says Professor Kaski.

You can also help yourself by trying the Brandt-Daroff technique at home.

Sit on the edge of the bed and turn your head 45 degrees to one side.

Lie down quickly, on the opposite side to which your head is turned. Stay there for 30 seconds, or until the dizziness has subsided.