“I get dizzy” — one of the most common and most confusing complaints: sometimes the room spins, sometimes it is just unsteadiness or a “foggy head”. The correct first step is not a pill but identifying the TYPE of dizziness — because each type has a different treatment.
What types of dizziness exist?
Vertigo — the false sensation of spinning — usually points to the inner ear (BPPV, most common) or, more rarely, central causes. Unsteadiness — “I wobble when walking” — often relates to balance, strength and proprioception, especially in older adults. Cervicogenic dizziness — “foggy head” with a tense neck — is sustained by upper cervical dysfunction. Presyncope — feeling faint — relates to circulation and needs medical evaluation.
Common symptoms
Spinning episodes with position changes, insecurity when walking and fear of falling, mental “fog” with neck tension, worse with screens or crowded spaces, and associated fatigue.
Common causes
BPPV, upper cervical dysfunction and forward-head posture, vestibular hypofunction after viral illness, deconditioned balance in older adults, anxiety (a real amplifier), medications and blood pressure — medical causes are triaged at assessment.
Can it be treated without medication?
Largely yes: BPPV — with repositioning manoeuvres; cervicogenic dizziness — with manual therapy and exercise; unsteadiness — with progressive balance training; vestibular hypofunction — with vestibular rehabilitation. Chronic “dizziness pills” can actually delay the brain’s adaptation.
How we treat dizziness at Medicine Park
Structured assessment: episode history, positional and balance testing, cervical evaluation, triage of signs needing a doctor. Then the plan matched to your type: manoeuvres, vestibular rehab, cervical manual therapy, balance training and confidence in movement. All in English.
How long does recovery take?
BPPV: often 1–3 sessions. Cervical and balance forms: 4–8 week programmes with measurable progress.
When to seek help
If dizziness keeps returning or has reduced your activity, book an assessment. Dizziness with slurred speech, double vision, sudden weakness or fainting is an emergency — call 112.
