Vertigo and Balance Disorders in Turkey

How long an attack lasts is the most decisive clue

Spinning that lasts seconds and is triggered by head movement usually points to BPPV; attacks lasting minutes to hours with hearing loss and ear fullness suggest Meniere disease; one severe attack lasting days suggests vestibular neuritis. The examination includes Dix-Hallpike and head-impulse testing, and eye movements are assessed. VNG with caloric testing and audiometry are requested where needed.

Dizziness does not always come from the inner ear. If it is accompanied by double vision, slurred speech, or weakness in the face or arm, the assessment turns to central causes and urgent investigation takes priority. If you have these symptoms, see a doctor where you are before planning any travel.

What you are asked to prepare

• Attack duration: seconds, minutes, hours or days
• Trigger: lying down, sitting up in bed, looking up, or occurring at rest
• Whether there is any change in hearing, ringing, or a feeling of fullness in the ear
• Any previous audiogram result
• Medicines you take; some blood pressure and ear medications affect balance

Process and timing

Examination and positional testing can be done on the same day. If BPPV is found, the repositioning manoeuvre is often performed in that same session. If further vestibular testing and audiometry are needed, planning 2 to 3 days is realistic.