Rotary Vertigo

Vertigo can occur temporarily and harmlessly in certain situations, for example following a rapid turning movement, a ride on a merry-go-round, or in connection with alcohol consumption. However, if vertigo occurs without any apparent cause, recurs regularly or persists for a prolonged period, a specialist assessment should be carried out. At our private ENT practice in Berlin, we diagnose and treat various forms of vertigo comprehensively and on an individual basis.

What is rotary vertigo?

Vertigo is defined as the sensation that the person affected, or their surroundings, is spinning – often in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. This form of vertigo is one of the most common types and often occurs suddenly and unpredictably. The symptoms can last for a few seconds, several hours or, in some cases, even several days. The cause often lies in a dysfunction of the vestibular system in the inner ear or the central part of the vestibular system (in the brain).

Types of rotational vertigo

Paroxysmal rotational vertigo

In episodic vertigo, the symptoms occur suddenly and intensely. The episodes usually last only a few seconds to minutes. Typical accompanying symptoms include nausea, unsteadiness when walking, a tendency to fall, sweating and involuntary eye tremors (nystagmus). Some sufferers also report a feeling of pressure in the ear or hearing loss.
Paroxysmal vertigo can occur, amongst other things, as part of Meniere’s disease or a vestibular migraine.

Persistent rotary vertigo

If the symptoms persist for several hours or days, doctors refer to this as persistent vertigo. In addition to a pronounced sensation of spinning, nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness when walking and nystagmus frequently occur. The cause is often a dysfunction of the vestibular system or the vestibular nerves, for example as part of vestibular neuropathy. Less commonly, neurological causes, such as acute circulatory disorders or other conditions (e.g. a PICA infarction), may be responsible.

Rotational vertigo in Menière’s disease

Menière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that is typically characterised by paroxysmal rotational vertigo, hearing loss and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Many sufferers also experience a sensation of pressure in the affected ear, as well as autonomic symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.

Meniere’s disease is characterised by what is known as the ‘triad of symptoms’:

1. Recurrent attacks of vertigo
2. Detectable hearing loss
3. Tinnitus and/or a sensation of pressure in the ear

The exact causes of the condition have not yet been conclusively established. Among other things, a disturbance in the fluid balance within the inner ear, leading to increased pressure in the area of the vestibular system, is suspected. Inflammatory, vascular or immunological factors are also being considered.

Diagnosis of vertigo

Precise diagnosis is crucial for targeted treatment. At our ENT practice, we begin by taking a detailed medical history, asking about the nature, duration, triggers and accompanying symptoms of the vertigo. In addition, we carry out modern specialist ENT examinations, including hearing tests and assessments of the vestibular system. Further neuroradiological investigations are carried out where necessary.

Treatment of vertigo

Treatment depends on the specific cause of the vertigo. Depending on the findings, options may include medication, balance exercises or specialised physiotherapy. If the vertigo is caused by another underlying condition – such as inflammation, fluctuations in blood pressure or problems with the cervical spine – these should be treated specifically, where necessary through an interdisciplinary approach in collaboration with other specialist departments.

Private ENT practice in Berlin Charlottenburg

If you suffer from sudden-onset, recurrent or persistent vertigo, we recommend a prompt specialist assessment. At our practice in Berlin, Dr Kathrin Ernst, a specialist in ear, nose and throat medicine, will provide you with care using modern diagnostic methods and individually tailored treatment plans.

Are you suffering from unusual, sudden or recurring rotary vertigo? Please feel free to make an appointment with vertigo expert Dr. med. Kathrin Ernst (ENT specialist) for examination and therapy.

Appointments by telephone arrangement, also outside our consultation hours: 030.310 138 40