Neuro-otology, also written neurotology, is the specialty of dizziness, balance and hearing problems that arise from the inner ear, its nerve and their brain connections. It is practised by neurologists, ENT surgeons and audiovestibular physicians.
Most dizziness has a diagnosable and treatable cause. The commonest, BPPV, can often be fixed in one appointment with a repositioning manoeuvre.
Conditions this service looks after
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular migraine
- Meniere's disease
- Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis
- Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD)
- Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)
- Superior canal dehiscence
- Pulsatile and other tinnitus
Tests you may be offered
- Positional testing: The Dix-Hallpike and roll tests diagnose BPPV at the bedside.
- Video head impulse test and videonystagmography: Measure the function of each balance canal.
- Caloric testing: Warm and cool water or air in the ear canal compares the two sides.
- Audiometry: Hearing tests, essential in Meniere's disease and schwannoma.
- VEMPs: Test the otolith organs and help diagnose canal dehiscence.
- MRI of the internal auditory canals: For one-sided hearing loss or tinnitus.
Treatments available
- Repositioning manoeuvres: Epley and related manoeuvres for BPPV.
- Vestibular rehabilitation: Customised exercises that help the brain compensate; the key treatment for most chronic dizziness.
- Migraine prevention: For vestibular migraine.
- Meniere's treatment: Salt reduction, betahistine, and steroid or gentamicin injections through the eardrum.
- Surgery or radiosurgery: For vestibular schwannoma and canal dehiscence; small tumours are often just monitored.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy and SSRIs: For PPPD.
When to ask for a specialist opinion
- Vertigo attacks that keep coming back
- Dizziness lasting beyond a few weeks
- Hearing loss or tinnitus in one ear only
- Unsteadiness with falls
- Dizziness triggered by loud sounds or straining
Travelling to Türkiye for this care
Assessment with full vestibular testing and MRI takes 1 to 2 days, and BPPV can be treated at the same visit. Schwannoma surgery or Gamma Knife are planned treatments. Vestibular rehabilitation needs weeks of daily exercise at home. Sudden vertigo with double vision, slurred speech, weakness or severe new headache may be a stroke: call emergency services.
Send your reports, scans and a short history and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.
الأسئلة المتكررة
Is vertigo a disease?
It is a symptom, the false sensation of spinning. The task is to find which disorder is producing it.
Should I take anti-dizziness tablets long term?
No. Vestibular sedatives help for a few days in an acute attack but delay recovery if continued.
Can I fly with BPPV or Meniere's disease?
Generally yes. Flying does not usually worsen either.