Introduction
Sudden dizziness when standing up, uncertainty when walking or the sensation that the surroundings are moving: dizziness can come in many forms and considerably limit the daily life of those who suffer from it. The causes are varied and range from harmless to severe. A specific diagnosis of dizziness is therefore the key to initiating appropriate treatment and restoring quality of life.
In this article you will find out what a diagnosis of dizziness consists of, what symptoms and causes may be involved and where you can go, whether in Germany, Switzerland or on the Costa del Sol.
What is the diagnosis of dizziness?
The diagnosis of dizziness involves a series of medical procedures aimed at identifying the cause of balance disturbances and the sensation of vertigo. The goal is to distinguish between temporary discomfort and more complex disorders that require specialized medical attention.
A distinction is made between peripheral (e.g. from the balance organ), central (neurological) and psychogenic causes. A structured diagnosis helps to differentiate these causes and to select an appropriate therapy accordingly.
Recognizing the causes of dizziness
The range of possible causes of dizziness is wide. A general classification may be as follows:
Vestibular causes
This includes conditions of the balance organ in the inner ear, such as:
- Benign positional vertigo
- Meniere’s disease
- Vestibular neuronitis
Neurological causes of dizziness
They include cerebral circulatory disorders, migraine and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis (MS).
Stress and psychosomatic causes of dizziness
Chronic stress, anxiety disorders or depressive states can influence the balance system and cause somatoform or phobic oscillatory dizziness.
Internal causes
Cardiovascular diseases such as blood pressure fluctuations or cardiac arrhythmias may also be possible triggers.
Long-COVID and dizziness
Many patients with post-COVID syndrome report a persistent sensation of dizziness. The underlying neurological or vestibular mechanisms remain the subject of intense investigation.
Other causes
Also medications, alcohol, ear diseases or age-related changes in the sensory systems can cause dizziness.
Symptoms and first points of contact
Typical symptoms of motion sickness are:
- Rotating or oscillating vertigo
- Photosensitivity, nausea
- Visual and walking insecurity
- Tinnitus or hearing loss
When should a diagnosis of dizziness be made?
If dizziness occurs frequently, persists for a prolonged period of time, or occurs along with other symptoms such as hearing loss, visual disturbances, or unsteadiness in walking, the sensation of dizziness should be evaluated.
Which physicians diagnose dizziness?
- General practitioners specializing in motion sickness in Germany, Austria or Switzerland can perform an initial examination and refer to a specialist if necessary.
- An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist examines whether the balance organ is affected.
- Neurologists and internists investigate possible central or internal causes.
- Specialized dizziness clinics in Germany and Switzerland offer interdisciplinary diagnostics under one roof.
How is a diagnosis of dizziness made?
A solid assessment of motion sickness is performed in several steps:
Anamnesis
During the conversation, the physician gathers history, evolution of symptoms and possible triggers such as stress or medications.
2. Vestibular functional diagnosis
Evaluates the balance organ in the inner ear. Typical procedures include:
- Videonystagmography: measurement of involuntary eye movements
- Positioning tests– to diagnose positional vertigo
- Cephalic impulse test or caloric test
3. Dizziness tests in consultation
Tests such as the Romberg test or the Unterberger gait test provide clues to gait insecurity or postural instability.
4. Imaging techniques
In case of suspected central causes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) of the brain is used.
5. Psychosomatic evaluation
If organic causes are ruled out, psychological factors such as stress or anxiety disorders will be evaluated.
Treatment options for motion sickness
The symptoms and treatment of dizziness depend on the underlying diagnosis:
Drug therapy
Anti-nausea drugs (antivertiginous), corticosteroids (for vestibular neuronitis) or vasodilator drugs are used depending on the cause.
Vestibular training
Physiotherapeutic exercises help improve walking stability and retrain the balance system.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
When dizziness is due to stress or anxiety, psychotherapeutic support is often helpful.
International options
For expatriates and international patients, dizziness therapy on the Costa del Sol offers comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic programs. A dizziness evaluation in Marbella is possible through specialized ENT and neurology clinics, often with multilingual staff.
Diagnosis of dizziness by region
Germany
A dizziness clinic in Germany usually works on an interdisciplinary basis with specialists in ENT, neurology, psychosomatics and physiotherapy. Larger university hospitals and specialized centers offer comprehensive diagnostics.
Switzerland
The methods for diagnosing dizziness in Switzerland are similar to those in Germany. They are often supplemented by manual medicine, integrative approaches and individualized care.
Spain and Costa del Sol
Those living abroad will find high quality therapeutic offers on the Costa del Sol, often specializing in neurological causes of dizziness or post-infectious symptoms, such as Long-COVID and dizziness.
Costs, durability and reliability
How long does a diagnosis of dizziness last?
The basic diagnosis usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. In specialized clinics or in complex cases several appointments may be necessary.
How reliable is a diagnosis of dizziness?
Modern vestibular functional diagnostic procedures achieve high accuracy, especially when working in an interdisciplinary manner.
How much does a diagnosis of dizziness cost?
In Germany and Switzerland the costs are usually covered by statutory or private insurance. In Spain it depends on the insurance coverage and the clinic: private services start at about 150 €.
