Vertigo Tedavisi

Vertigo Treatment

Vertigo is the medical term for the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when there is no real motion. Many patients describe it as “the room turning,” loss of balance, a feeling of being pulled to one side or a sudden wave of dizziness. These attacks can be frightening and may affect walking, working, driving and daily comfort. As an Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist), Dr. Mustafa Çakır evaluates vertigo and balance problems in detail to find the underlying cause and plan an appropriate, individual treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dizziness and Balance Disorders

Vertigo Tedavisi

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is not a disease by itself, but a symptom that can arise from different conditions. In many cases, the problem comes from the inner ear, which contains the balance organs that help the brain understand movement and position. When these organs or the nerves that carry their signals are not working properly, the brain receives conflicting information and the person feels spinning, imbalance or swaying.

Inner ear–related vertigo can appear suddenly or gradually, last for seconds or hours and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), a feeling of fullness in the ear or temporary hearing loss. Because vertigo has several possible causes and can sometimes be related to neurological or other systemic problems, a careful and structured evaluation is essential.

Common Causes of Vertigo

The most frequent inner ear causes of vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of their normal place and trigger short, intense spinning attacks with certain head movements; vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, where an infection or inflammation affects the balance nerve or inner ear, leading to more prolonged dizziness and imbalance; and Menière’s disease, a condition characterized by repeated episodes of vertigo together with fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

Other factors such as chronic middle ear disease, head trauma, sudden changes in blood pressure, some medications and migraine-related disorders can also play a role. For this reason, not every vertigo patient has the same diagnosis or the same treatment plan.

Evaluation and Diagnosis with Dr. Mustafa Çakır

Because vertigo is a complex symptom, the most important step is a detailed medical history and examination. During the consultation, Dr. Mustafa Çakır asks about when the dizziness started, how long attacks last, what triggers or relieves them, whether there is associated hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness, nausea, vomiting, headaches or visual changes, and whether similar complaints have occurred in the past. He also reviews medications, previous illnesses, cardiovascular history and any neurological symptoms.

A complete ENT examination is performed, including the ears, nose and throat. Hearing tests (audiometry) may be requested to evaluate cochlear function, and special bedside tests are used to observe eye movements (nystagmus) and balance reactions. In suspected BPPV, specific positional tests are used to reproduce symptoms and identify which semicircular canal is affected.

If necessary, further investigations such as vestibular function tests, blood tests or imaging (for example, MRI) can be requested in collaboration with neurology or other specialties. The aim is to distinguish peripheral (inner ear) causes from central (brain-related) causes and to reach a clear, accurate diagnosis.

Treatment of BPPV and Other Inner Ear Vertigo

When the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is confirmed, the main treatment is not medication but special repositioning maneuvers. Using a sequence of guided head and body movements, Dr. Mustafa Çakır helps move the displaced crystals back into the correct part of the inner ear, often providing rapid relief. Many patients feel a significant reduction in symptoms after one or a few sessions of these maneuvers.

In cases of vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, treatment often includes medication to control acute dizziness and nausea in the short term, combined with vestibular rehabilitation exercises to help the brain adapt and regain balance over time. For Menière’s disease and similar inner ear conditions, a longer-term strategy is needed, which may involve dietary changes (such as salt restriction), specific medications, sometimes intratympanic injections and, in resistant cases, other interventions.

In all situations, the goal is not only to suppress vertigo during attacks but also to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes, improve daily balance and minimize the impact on the patient’s quality of life.

Medication and Supportive Measures

Medication may be used as part of vertigo treatment, especially in the acute phase. Drugs that suppress vestibular activity and relieve nausea can be helpful in the first hours or days of a severe attack. However, long-term continuous use of such medications is usually not recommended, because they can slow down the natural compensation process of the brain.

Dr. Mustafa Çakır tailors each treatment plan to the diagnosis: some patients benefit more from maneuvers and exercises, others need a combination of medical therapy, lifestyle adjustments and, occasionally, surgical or minimally invasive procedures. Supportive measures such as adequate hydration, regular sleep, avoiding sudden head movements during acute episodes and ensuring a safe environment at home (to reduce the risk of falls) are also important parts of the overall approach.

Vestibular Rehabilitation and Lifestyle

For many people with persistent imbalance after an acute inner ear event, or with chronic vestibular disorders, vestibular rehabilitation plays a key role. These are specialized exercises designed to encourage the brain to adapt to altered signals from the balance organs. They may include eye–head coordination movements, balance training in different positions and tasks that gradually challenge the system in a controlled way.

Under guidance, patients learn how to perform these exercises safely at home, building tolerance step by step. Lifestyle factors also matter: managing stress, avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol in certain conditions, and addressing associated problems such as anxiety or fear of movement can all contribute to better long-term control of vertigo.

When is Further Investigation Needed?

In some cases, vertigo may be a sign of a more serious underlying problem, especially if it is accompanied by severe headache, double vision, difficulty speaking, weakness or numbness in the face or limbs, or sudden loss of consciousness. Such warning signs require urgent evaluation and sometimes emergency care.

During his assessment, Dr. Mustafa Çakır looks for these “red flags” and, when necessary, coordinates with neurology or other departments to ensure that potentially dangerous causes are not missed. This multidisciplinary approach helps provide both safety and comprehensive care for patients with complex dizziness complaints.

A Personalized Approach to Vertigo Treatment

Because every vertigo patient has a different story, cause and set of symptoms, there is no single treatment that fits everyone. Dr. Mustafa Çakır approaches each case individually: he listens to the patient’s experience, performs a thorough examination, reaches a clear diagnosis when possible and then builds a treatment plan that may include repositioning maneuvers, medication, vestibular rehabilitation and lifestyle recommendations.

The main goals are to reduce or eliminate vertigo attacks, improve balance, prevent falls and help patients regain confidence in their daily activities. With careful evaluation and a structured, evidence-based approach, many patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life and a return to normal routines.