Almost everyone feels dizzy from time to time. You might stand up too quickly, get overheated, skip a meal, or feel lightheaded after a long day. Usually, these brief moments pass once your body rebalances.
Vertigo, however, is different. It’s not just feeling off-balance — it’s the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning even when you’re standing still. Vertigo can come on suddenly, last for seconds or hours, and may return without warning. It can make everyday tasks — like turning over in bed, looking up, or walking down the stairs — feel overwhelming and stomach-turning.
Because vertigo is often linked to issues within the inner ear or vestibular (balance) system, it’s important to know when those dizzy spells may be a sign of a balance disorder that should be treated by an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT).
When dizziness is “normal” — and when it’s not
Occasional dizziness is common and usually harmless. It can happen when you:
- Stand up too fast
- Skip meals or become dehydrated
- Experience motion sickness
- Take certain medications
These episodes tend to be short-lived and resolve once the cause is corrected.
Vertigo, on the other hand, may indicate a problem with your inner ear — the part of your body responsible for balance and spatial awareness. When the signals between your inner ear, eyes, and brain don’t align, you may feel as if the world is tilting or spinning, even when you’re perfectly still.
Common balance disorders that cause vertigo
Balance disorders affect about 33 million adults in the United States. Some of the most common include:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
The most frequent cause of vertigo, BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged. It’s often triggered by simple head movements like rolling over, bending down, or looking up.
Ménière’s Disease
This condition involves fluid buildup in the inner ear, causing episodes of vertigo along with hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis
These involve inflammation or infection in the inner ear or balance nerve, often following a cold or virus. Symptoms may include vertigo, imbalance, and sometimes hearing loss.
Other causes of imbalance can include medication side effects, migraines, head injuries, or vision problems.
When to see an ENT specialist
It’s time to schedule a visit with an ENT specialist if you:
- Experience spinning sensations or imbalance that recur or last more than a few seconds
- Feel unsteady while walking or standing
- Notice associated hearing changes or ringing in the ears
- Have dizziness severe enough to cause nausea or falls
ENT specialists are trained to identify whether symptoms come from your inner ear, another part of the vestibular system, or a different underlying medical condition.
How ENTs diagnose and treat balance problems
At your appointment, your ENT may:
- Review your medical history and medications
- Perform hearing and balance tests to measure how your inner ear is functioning
- Order imaging or lab work to rule out other causes
- Recommend vestibular rehabilitation therapy, prescription medication, or lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence
If your dizziness is caused by BPPV, your ENT can perform or teach the Epley maneuver. This is a series of gentle head movements that reposition the displaced crystals in your inner ear, often providing fast relief.
Take the next step toward steadier days
While occasional dizziness is usually harmless, persistent or severe vertigo should never be ignored. Left untreated, balance disorders can increase your risk of falls and impact your quality of life.
The good news: Most causes of vertigo and imbalance are highly treatable once properly diagnosed by an ENT. Find an ENT specialist in your area and schedule a balance evaluation to find out what’s behind your dizziness. With expert care, you can regain your stability and your confidence.