Dizziness – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Dizziness is a very common symptom that can affect people of all ages. It manifests itself with insecurity when walking, a feeling of instability or of everything spinning, and can even lead to falls. To find the right treatment, it is essential to diagnose the exact cause of the dizziness. At German Clinic Marbella we offer a comprehensive diagnosis of dizziness and specific therapies to alleviate your discomfort.
Possible causes of dizziness
Dizziness can be caused by a variety of factors. Among the most frequent causes are:
- Benign paroxysmal positional dizziness (BPPV): Caused by small crystals in the inner ear; occurs especially with rapid head movements.
- Ménière’s disease: Characteristic attacks with dizziness, ringing in the ears and hearing loss.
- Neurological causes: These include migraine, circulatory disorders or neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
- Circulatory problems: Low blood pressure, dehydration or heart disease can lead to balance disorders.
- Stress and anxiety disorders: Psychic burdens can manifest themselves physically in the form of dizziness.
- Dizziness in old age: Due to age-related changes in the inner ear or circulation, dizziness is more common in older people.
- Dizziness in children: In many cases it is harmless, but may occur in the context of migraines or infections.
How is dizziness diagnosed?
An accurate diagnosis of dizziness is essential for a successful treatment. In our clinic it is carried out by:
- Detailed medical history: When does the dizziness appear, how does it manifest itself and how long does it last?
- Specific tests for dizziness: Positioning tests such as the Dix-Hallpike test help diagnose inner ear disease.
- Study of hearing and vision: To clarify a possible relationship with balance disorders.
- Blood pressure measurement: To identify circulatory problems as a cause of dizziness.
- Neurological examinations: To rule out diseases such as stroke or migraine.
Treatment options for motion sickness
Therapy depends on the cause of the dizziness. The most common treatments include:
- Pharmacological treatment: Medications against dizziness and nausea or to improve blood circulation.
- Specific exercises: Repositioning techniques such as the Epley maneuver are useful especially in positional dizziness.
- Home remedies and lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, good hydration and relaxation techniques can be beneficial.
- Physiotherapy: Vestibular rehabilitation to restore balance function.
- Psychotherapy: Especially in case of psychogenic dizziness, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques are recommended.
When should I see a doctor?
It is recommended to consult a physician if:
- Dizziness comes on suddenly and intensely.
- There are additional symptoms such as vision problems, speech disorders or numbness.
- Dizziness is accompanied by tachycardia, sweating or nausea.
- Dizziness is recurrent or persistent.
How long does the dizziness last?
The duration of dizziness depends on the cause:
- Positional dizziness: Usually lasts only seconds or minutes.
- Migraine-related dizziness: May last several hours.
- Dizziness of circulatory origin: It is often temporary and improves with rest.
- Chronic or psychogenic dizziness: May persist for weeks or even months.
What medications can help with motion sickness?
Depending on the cause, the following medications may be used:
- Betahistine: Improves circulation in the inner ear (in cases of Ménière’s disease).
- Dimenhydrinate (Vomex): Helps against nausea.
- Antivertiginous: Support the sense of balance.
- Benzodiazepines: In exceptional cases to calm down in cases of severe dizziness.
Effective exercises against motion sickness
Specific movement exercises help strengthen the balance system:
- Epley maneuver: Specific positioning technique against BPPV.
- Balance training: Exercises to improve coordination and stability.
- Vestibular rehabilitation: A special therapy for persistent balance disorders.
How does dizziness affect daily life?
Rotational or oscillation dizziness can have important consequences:
- Difficulty walking and driving.
- Insecurity in the work or social environment.
- Anxiety and increased risk of falling, especially in the elderly.
- Sleep problems, especially when dizziness appears when changing position in bed.
Can dizziness be a sign of a serious illness?
Yes, in certain cases dizziness may indicate serious illness:
- Stroke: Acute dizziness with loss of vision or slurred speech is a medical emergency.
- Multiple sclerosis: Dizziness may be an early symptom.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Insufficient cerebral circulation may cause dizziness.
What tests are required?
Depending on the suspicion, the following tests may be required for an accurate diagnosis:
- Vestibular tests: Evaluation of the balance system.
- Audiometry: Study of hearing capacity.
- Blood pressure measurement: Detection of circulatory problems.
- Imaging tests (magnetic resonance, tomography): In case of suspected neurological disease.
- Blood tests: Identification of possible circulation disorders or deficiencies.
Conclusion
Dizziness can have different causes and should not be ignored, especially if it is frequent or intense. A specific diagnosis is key to initiate a personalized therapy. At German Clinic Marbella we support you with state-of-the-art diagnostics and individualized treatment plans to alleviate your symptoms in the long term. Request an appointment now and receive professional advice!
