Dizziness

Around one in four people experience dizziness or unsteadiness which may make you concerned about falling over or going out on your own. It can occur for a variety of reasons, such as wax build up in the ear canal causing earache, hearing loss, itchiness, and Tinnitus, and becomes more common with age. There is some evidence to suggest that some patients experience dizziness as part of their COVID-19 symptoms. 

The Ménière’s Society website provides further information about many types of dizziness and balance disorders, and details gentle exercises that can help with managing and controlling dizziness symptoms. 

One of the most common causes of dizziness is known as BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) which can be treated at home. The classic signs of this problem are short lived episodes of spinning dizziness that usually last for less than one minute, that are provoked by movements such as tipping your head back, bending forwards and turning over in bed. 

If you think you may have BPPV, please read this leaflet for further information including how to try and treat it yourself. 

Please note that you may not be able to treat your BPPV at home if you have neck/back problems, severe pain, fainting, seizures, or you need to see a doctor about heart problems. 

If you think you are unable to treat the BPPV at home, or think that there is a different cause of your dizziness that you would like to be investigated, please contact your healthcare practitioner to consider a referral.