Dizziness

Dizziness is one of the most common complaints that leads patients to seek medical care — and one of the most frequently misunderstood. The term covers a range of sensations including lightheadedness, unsteadiness, and vertigo — the distinct, disorienting sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning.

In a significant proportion of cases, dizziness and vertigo originate in the inner ear, making ENT evaluation an essential step in finding an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. At The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness, Dr. David C. Brodner evaluates dizziness from both an ENT and a physiological perspective for patients throughout Boynton Beach, FL and South Florida.

Call (561) 735-8750 to schedule your evaluation today.

The inner ear serves a dual function — it is responsible for both hearing (through the cochlea) and balance (through the vestibular system). The vestibular system consists of three semicircular canals and two otolith organs that detect head movement and orientation in space.

When this system is disrupted — by inflammation, displaced crystals, pressure changes, or nerve damage — the brain receives conflicting signals about the body’s position, producing the disorienting sensation of dizziness or vertigo.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) that normally reside in the otolith organs become dislodged and migrate into the semicircular canals. When the head moves in certain positions, these misplaced crystals cause brief but intense spinning sensations — typically lasting seconds to a minute.

BPPV can often be effectively treated in the office using repositioning maneuvers (such as the Epley maneuver) that guide the displaced crystals back to their proper location.

Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis

Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth — affecting both hearing and balance functions — typically caused by viral infection. Vestibular neuritis involves inflammation of the vestibular nerve alone, causing sudden, severe vertigo without hearing loss. Both conditions typically cause an acute episode of intense dizziness that gradually improves over days to weeks as the nervous system compensates. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can accelerate recovery for appropriate patients.

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of intense vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. Episodes can be unpredictable and severely disabling. Management includes dietary modifications (particularly sodium restriction), diuretics, vestibular suppressant medications, and in refractory cases, procedural interventions. Meniere’s disease requires long-term management with a specialist familiar with its complex natural history.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Pressure imbalances caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction can affect middle ear pressure equilibrium and produce dizziness or unsteadiness — particularly during altitude changes or in patients with chronic ETD. Treating the underlying ETD at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness, including through Eustachian Tube Dilation, can relieve the associated dizziness in these patients.

Other Contributing Factors

Non-inner ear causes of dizziness — including orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops on standing), cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions, anemia, dehydration, and medication side effects — are also evaluated during a comprehensive dizziness workup at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness. Dr. Brodner coordinates with appropriate specialists when non-ENT causes are identified or suspected.

What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?

Dizziness is a broad term that encompasses lightheadedness, unsteadiness, and disorientation. Vertigo specifically refers to the false sensation of movement — a feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning or rotating — and is more specifically associated with inner ear or vestibular system dysfunction. True vertigo should always be evaluated by a physician to identify the underlying cause.

What is BPPV and can it be treated?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when small calcium crystals become dislodged inside the inner ear, causing brief but intense spinning sensations with certain head positions. BPPV is typically highly treatable using repositioning maneuvers performed in the office — such as the Epley maneuver — that guide the displaced crystals back to their proper location, often providing immediate relief.

Is dizziness related to ear problems?

Very commonly, yes. A significant proportion of dizziness cases — including the most common cause of vertigo (BPPV) — originate in the inner ear. Other inner ear causes include labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, and Meniere’s disease. ENT evaluation is an important early step in identifying whether the inner ear is responsible for your dizziness, as this determines the most effective treatment approach.

When is dizziness a medical emergency?

Seek emergency evaluation immediately if dizziness is accompanied by sudden severe headache, difficulty speaking, double vision, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty walking, facial drooping, or loss of consciousness. These may indicate a stroke or other serious neurological emergency. If dizziness occurs after a head injury, also seek immediate care.

How is the cause of dizziness diagnosed at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness?

Dr. Brodner performs a comprehensive evaluation including a detailed symptom history, a thorough neurological and ENT examination, and assessment of head position responses to identify inner ear involvement. Hearing evaluation, tympanometry, and referral for vestibular testing may also be incorporated based on findings. Same-day appointments are available at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness for patients in Boynton Beach, FL experiencing dizziness — call (561) 735-8750.

Can allergies or sinusitis cause dizziness?

Indirectly, yes. Allergic inflammation and sinusitis can worsen Eustachian tube dysfunction, causing middle ear pressure imbalances that contribute to a sense of unsteadiness or “foggy head” in some patients. Treating the underlying allergy or sinusitis component at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness often reduces these secondary vestibular symptoms.

What is Meniere’s disease and is it treatable?

Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear condition causing episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. While there is no cure, symptoms can be significantly managed through dietary modifications (particularly low sodium intake), diuretics, vestibular suppressant medications, and in refractory cases, interventional procedures. Long-term specialist management is important for patients with Meniere’s disease. Call (561) 735-8750 to schedule your evaluation at The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness.

Dizziness and vertigo deserve a thorough, accurate diagnosis — not just a prescription for medication that masks the symptom. The Center for Sinus, Allergy, & Sleep Wellness provides expert inner ear and vestibular evaluation for patients throughout Boynton Beach, FL and South Florida. Call (561) 735-8750 or call the practice — same-day and next-day availability throughout Palm Beach County.