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Dizziness and Vertigo Evaluation in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What are dizziness and vertigo?

"Dizziness" is a broad word. Doctors separate it into several types because each points to different causes:

• Vertigo: a spinning or moving sensation, usually from the inner ear (vestibular system) or, less often, the brain
• Lightheadedness: feeling faint, often from blood pressure, dehydration or heart rhythm problems
• Imbalance: unsteadiness when walking, from nerve, muscle, vision or brain issues

Dizziness is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care, and it can be frightening, especially when it strikes suddenly in an unfamiliar city. Most causes are benign and treatable once identified.

The vestibular system in the inner ear senses head movement and gravity. When one side sends abnormal signals, the brain receives conflicting information and the result is vertigo.

Symptoms

• Spinning, tilting or swaying sensation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unsteadiness and difficulty walking
• Abnormal jerking eye movements (nystagmus)
• With some causes: hearing loss, tinnitus or ear fullness

Common ear-related causes

• BPPV: brief spinning triggered by head movements, the most common cause
• Vestibular neuritis: sudden, prolonged vertigo after a viral illness, without hearing loss
• Meniere's disease: attacks lasting hours with hearing loss, tinnitus and fullness
• Vestibular migraine: vertigo linked to migraine history
• Central causes: stroke, multiple sclerosis or tumors, which are less common but important not to miss

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

A careful history of how long episodes last and what triggers them is often the most informative part. Dr. Kim then performs a dizziness test with Frenzel goggles, which magnify the eyes and block visual fixation so subtle nystagmus can be seen. Positional maneuvers such as the Dix-Hallpike test check for BPPV. A hearing test helps distinguish Meniere's disease and labyrinthitis from vestibular neuritis. Signs suggesting a central cause lead to urgent referral for brain imaging.

Treatment options

• BPPV: repositioning maneuvers such as the Epley maneuver, often effective in the clinic
• Acute vertigo: short-term anti-nausea and vestibular suppressant medication
• Vestibular neuritis: steroids in selected cases, plus early movement and vestibular rehabilitation exercises
• Meniere's disease: low-salt diet, medication, and intratympanic treatment when needed
• Vestibular rehabilitation: exercises that retrain the brain to compensate

When to see an ENT

See an ENT for recurrent or persistent vertigo. Call emergency services or go to an emergency department immediately if dizziness comes with sudden severe headache, double vision, slurred speech, facial drooping, weakness or numbness of the limbs, inability to walk, chest pain or fainting. These may indicate a stroke or heart problem.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Describing dizziness precisely is hard even in your native language. Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a former Yonsei and Ajou university professor, takes time to clarify your symptoms in English. His subspecialty is the nose and sinuses, but he evaluates and treats balance disorders as part of complete ENT care. Visit the Ear Clinic; see hours and directions.

Frequently asked questions

Is dizziness usually caused by the ear?

Spinning vertigo is most often caused by inner ear conditions such as BPPV, vestibular neuritis or Meniere's disease. Lightheadedness and fainting more often relate to blood pressure or the heart. An examination helps identify the type and the likely source.

What are Frenzel goggles?

Frenzel goggles are magnifying glasses that prevent you from focusing your eyes. This lets the doctor see subtle involuntary eye movements called nystagmus, which reveal how the inner ear balance system is working. The test is painless.

When is dizziness an emergency?

Seek emergency care if dizziness comes with sudden severe headache, double vision, slurred speech, facial drooping, limb weakness or numbness, inability to walk, chest pain or fainting. These can signal a stroke or heart problem.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.