Have you ever felt as though the room was spinning around you, even when you’re perfectly still? Or have you stood up only to feel your world tilt unexpectedly? This disturbing sensation is more than simple dizziness—it might be a sign of vertigo, a common condition that affects balance and spatial orientation.
At Strauss Audiology, we understand how disruptive vertigo can be. It doesn’t just interfere with your ability to walk or stand—it affects your confidence, independence, and overall quality of life. Our team specialises in advanced diagnostic procedures and customised treatment plans to help you manage and overcome vertigo symptoms.
What Exactly Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is not a condition but rather a symptom of various balance disorders. It gives you the false sense that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. Some people describe it as a sensation of swaying, tilting, or being pulled in one direction. Unlike general dizziness, vertigo tends to feel much more intense and disorienting.
This sensation can strike suddenly and may last for seconds, minutes, or even hours. Some episodes are mild, while others are severe enough to interfere with your daily activities. Accompanying symptoms may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Sweating
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Headaches
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo is most often linked to issues within the inner ear, which houses the body’s balance system (the vestibular system). It can also be triggered by neurological issues or medical conditions that affect the brain.
Common Causes of Vertigo:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- The most common cause of vertigo, BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) become dislodged and move into the inner ear canals, disrupting balance.
- Movements such as turning over in bed or looking up can trigger an episode.
- Vestibular Neuronitis or Labyrinthitis
- Infections that cause inflammation of the inner ear or the vestibular nerve can result in sudden and severe vertigo, often accompanied by hearing loss.
- Migrainous Vertigo
- Some migraine sufferers experience vertigo as a part of their migraine episodes, even without a headache.
- Meniere’s Disease
- A chronic disorder of the inner ear that causes vertigo, tinnitus, and progressive hearing loss.
- Head Injuries and Strokes
- Trauma or interrupted blood flow in the brain’s balance centres may trigger vertigo.
How Common Is Vertigo in South Africa?
Vertigo is more widespread than many people realise. According to health studies in South Africa:
- Nearly 50% of South Africans experience some form of dizziness annually.
- 20–30% of the global population will suffer from vertigo at some point in their lives.
- Among seniors aged 65+, 13–30% live with chronic dizziness or imbalance issues.
With such high prevalence, you are not alone—and importantly, help is available.
How Strauss Audiology Can Help
At Strauss Audiology, we use a comprehensive approach to assess and manage vertigo. Our goal is not only to identify the cause but also to implement a care plan that restores your quality of life.
Our Evaluation Process Includes:
- Bedside Examination of Balance
- We assess your balance using a series of safe, non-invasive tests in a calm and comfortable setting.
- Assessment of Vestibular and Sensory Systems
- We evaluate how well your vestibular (inner ear), vision, proprioception (body awareness), and somatosensory pathways are functioning.
- Advanced Diagnostic Tools
- Where needed, we may recommend videonystagmography (VNG), posturography, or audiometry to further understand your symptoms.
- Personalised Treatment Strategy
- Based on findings, we tailor a therapy plan that may include:
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)
- Balance retraining exercises
- Lifestyle adjustments to minimise symptom triggers
- Patient education and ongoing support
- Based on findings, we tailor a therapy plan that may include:
Our team works with you every step of the way, ensuring that your treatment plan is manageable, effective, and customised to your daily routine and health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What’s the difference between vertigo and dizziness?
Dizziness is a general term for feeling unsteady or lightheaded. Vertigo is more specific, often described as a spinning or whirling sensation, even when you’re not moving. - When should I see a specialist for vertigo?
If you experience recurring dizziness, balance issues, or spinning sensations, especially if they interfere with your daily life, it’s time to get evaluated. - Is vertigo permanent?
Not usually. Many cases, such as BPPV or inner ear infections, are fully treatable. With the right therapy, most people recover well. - How long does a vertigo assessment take?
Our full balance evaluation typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, including the discussion of your results and treatment plan. - Can exercises help relieve vertigo?
Yes. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises are proven to reduce symptoms and improve balance – particularly in those whose vertigo is motion or position-based. - Is vertigo dangerous?
While vertigo itself isn’t typically life-threatening, it can increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults. It may also be a sign of more serious health conditions, which is why professional assessment is critical.
If you’ve been living with unexplained dizziness or spinning sensations, don’t ignore it. Vertigo is a common yet highly manageable condition. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can take back control of your balance, mobility, and life.
At Strauss Audiology, we are committed to providing expert care, thorough testing, and personalised therapy to help you feel steady and secure again.
Contact us today to book your balance evaluation—because you deserve to stand strong, walk confidently, and live fully.
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