What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy. It is the sensation that you, or the room around you, is spinning or moving even when you are standing still. Some people experience sudden spinning attacks, while others feel constantly unsteady or off balance.
Vertigo and balance problems are often linked to the inner ear balance system, sometimes called the vestibular system. This system helps your brain understand movement, balance, and spatial awareness. When it is not working properly, it can lead to dizziness, vertigo, balance issues, nausea, and difficulty walking confidently.
At Gatwick Audiology, our Balance Clinic specialises in assessing and treating these symptoms to help patients feel steady and confident again.
1. BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It happens when tiny crystals inside the inner ear move into the wrong position, disrupting normal balance signals.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden spinning sensations
- Vertigo when turning in bed
- Dizziness when looking up or bending down
- Brief but intense episodes
- Nausea
Although BPPV can feel frightening, it is usually very treatable using simple repositioning techniques performed by a trained clinician.
2. Vestibular Migraine (Migraine-Related Dizziness)
Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that affects balance and dizziness rather than just causing headaches.
Many people are surprised to learn that migraines can cause:
- Vertigo
- Motion sensitivity
- Feeling off balance
- Sensitivity to light or busy environments
- “Brain fog” or disorientation
Some patients may not even experience a headache during episodes.
Triggers can include:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Hormonal changes
- Certain foods
- Poor sleep
3. Ménière’s Disease
Ménière’s disease is an inner ear condition that affects both hearing and balance.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden attacks of vertigo
- Fluctuating hearing loss
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear
- Poor balance
Symptoms often come and go in episodes and can vary in severity.
4. Inner Ear Infections (Vestibular Neuritis & Labyrinthitis)
Some balance problems occur after viral infections that affect the inner ear or balance nerve.
These conditions can cause:
- Severe dizziness
- Sudden vertigo
- Difficulty walking steadily
- Nausea
- Motion sensitivity
Labyrinthitis may also affect hearing, while vestibular neuritis usually affects balance only.
Many patients improve with time and targeted balance rehabilitation exercises.
5. Persistent Dizziness & Balance Disorders (PPPD)
Some people continue to feel dizzy or unsteady long after an illness, vertigo attack, or stressful event. This is sometimes known as Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD).
Common Symptoms
- Ongoing dizziness
- Feeling unsteady when walking
- Symptoms worse in busy places or supermarkets
- Sensitivity to movement
- Increased anxiety around balance
Patients often describe feeling:
“Floaty,” “rocking,” or “off balance.”
Specialist rehabilitation exercises can help retrain the brain and improve balance and confidence over time.
When Should You Seek Help?
You should consider a balance and dizziness assessment if you experience:
- Recurrent vertigo
- Ongoing dizziness
- Poor balance
- Falls or unsteadiness
- Motion sensitivity
- Difficulty walking confidently
- Symptoms affecting work, driving, or daily life
Early assessment can help identify the underlying cause and improve recovery.
Specialist Balance & Dizziness Care at Gatwick Audiology
At Gatwick Audiology, we provide specialist assessment and rehabilitation for patients experiencing:
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Inner ear disorders
- Migraine-related dizziness
- Falls and unsteadiness
Our personalised treatment plans are designed to help patients regain stability, confidence, and independence.
A Collaborative Specialist Service
We are proud to work in collaboration with NeuroEquilibrium Diagnostic Systems Pvt Ltd to provide advanced vestibular assessment, diagnostic, and rehabilitation services for patients experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders.
We also work closely alongside ENT Surrey Ltd, Consultant ENT Specialist Sameer Khemani, and Vestibular Physiotherapist Rosie King to deliver a fully integrated multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
By bringing together expertise in audiology, ENT medicine, vestibular diagnostics, and rehabilitation, we are able to provide patients with a seamless pathway from assessment and diagnosis through to personalised treatment and ongoing rehabilitation support.
Contact us on 0333 011 7717 or email us at hello@gatwickaudiology.co.uk to book an appointment.
