IN SHORT
An ENT specialist is the doctor to see if you experience dizziness or balance problems. These symptoms are often associated with a disorder of the vestibular system, which is located in the inner ear. The ENT specialist will perform a comprehensive examination, including visual, auditory, and neurological tests, to determine the cause and the best course of treatment.
You wake up one morning, and the room starts spinning. You bend down to pick something up and lose your balance. These experiences can be unsettling, but they’re more common than you might think. And in many cases, the answer lies… in your ears.
If you experience dizziness or balance problems, an ENT specialist is often the best professional to treat you.
The Inner Ear: A Key Role in Balance
Why should you see an ear, nose, and throat specialist if you experience dizziness? The answer is relatively simple: the inner ear contains the vestibular system, a network of canals and organs that sends information to the brain about the body’s position and movement.
When the vestibular system is disrupted, the brain receives conflicting signals—and that’s what causes vertigo. Most of the time, therefore, these sensations are caused by a disorder of the inner ear.
This connection between the ear and balance explains why dizziness and balance disorders are among the main reasons people visit an ENT specialist. The specialist can diagnose the cause of the problem and prescribe appropriate treatment or refer you to another professional, as needed.
The Most Common Causes
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause. Fortunately, as the name suggests, it’s not serious! It occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear shift and trigger a false sensation of movement when you move your head or change position. If you’ve ever experienced brief episodes of dizziness lasting less than a minute, it was likely BPPV.
Other possible common causes include:
- Vestibular neuritis, an inflammation of the vestibular nerve often caused by a virus. This condition causes sudden, intense vertigo that can last for several days, accompanied by nausea, but without hearing loss.
- Ménière’s disease, a chronic disorder of the inner ear. This is characterized by longer episodes of vertigo and other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, tinnitus, temporary hearing loss, etc.
- Cervical vertigo, often associated with neck pain. This condition can often be treated using complementary approaches such as osteopathy, chiropractic care, or physical therapy.
There are other possible causes: the ENT specialist’s primary role is to identify the source of the symptoms in order to determine the appropriate treatment.
What Will the ENT Specialist Do During the Appointment?
The ENT specialist will start by clarifying your symptoms: Is it dizziness with or without vertigo? When do the symptoms occur? How long do they last? Are there any other associated symptoms? Could medication be a contributing factor?
They will then perform a comprehensive clinical examination, which includes:
- An examination of the ears and hearing;
- An eye examination (nystagmus induction test or another test if this is inconclusive)
- A neurological examination, including tests of gait, balance, and coordination.
The ENT specialist may perform or order additional tests depending on the patient, their medical history, and their symptoms: blood glucose test, MRI, pregnancy test, Romberg test, audiogram, etc.
Once the cause has been identified, the ENT specialist may perform a procedure, prescribe medication, or refer you to another specialist if necessary.
Possible Treatments
In the case of BPPV, treatment is quick and effective: the ENT specialist will perform the Epley maneuver, a series of head movements that reposition the crystals in the inner ear. It usually takes no more than two or three sessions to return to normal.
Some types of dizziness can be relieved with medication (antihistamines or benzodiazepines). Ménière’s disease is often treated by starting with a dietary change (a low-salt diet).
Finally, vestibular physical therapy is generally prescribed for people suffering from chronic dizziness.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist for Dizziness?
Certain signs should prompt you to seek medical attention right away, such as:
- Recurrent dizziness or a feeling of unsteadiness (difficulty walking);
- Severe headaches or neck pain;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting;
- Hearing problems such as ringing in the ears, pressure, or temporary hearing loss;
- Difficulty seeing, speaking, or swallowing.
A single episode lasting less than a minute is generally nothing to worry about. However, if the symptoms are recurring or persistent, this may indicate that you have an underlying health issue – not to mention that the symptoms are affecting your well-being.
Are you experiencing dizziness or balance issues? At Clinique ORL 1851 in Montreal, our specialists thoroughly evaluate your condition to provide personalized care. In addition, we are located near several other medical and paramedical clinics, which facilitates the diagnostic process and enables multidisciplinary care, if needed.
All consultations are covered by RAMQ. Browse our services to learn more or schedule an appointment: we’ll gently guide you on your path to recovery.
