Diagnosis of dizziness and neurological visual disorders

Dizziness is not an independent clinical picture, but rather a leading symptom or symptom complex. A thorough, interdisciplinary examination is therefore essential for a correct diagnosis and successful treatment. In diagnostics, it is crucial to narrow down the causes of dizziness as precisely as possible. This is done through a detailed patient interview and diagnostic tests, which should be carried out in a sensible and structured sequence.

Patient interview

The focus of the patient consultation is the targeted collection of important information about the subjective feeling of dizziness and the patient’s medical history. We will discuss the following points with you in particular:

• How does the dizziness manifest itself? Does it occur suddenly and unexpectedly? Does he express himself as attacks? How long does the dizziness last, does it subside after seconds or hours, or is it a permanent dizziness that lasts for days or even weeks? Does the intensity of the dizziness change over time?
• In which situations does dizziness occur? Is the dizziness exacerbated by rest, movement, changes of position or certain situations, such as a fear of heights or driving a car? Can noise or a difference in pressure trigger the dizziness? Are there triggering circumstances?
• Do additional symptoms occur? Dizziness is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, hearing problems, feelings of anxiety, risk of falling or the feeling of apparent movement in the surroundings.
• What is your current state of health? Previous or existing illnesses, medication taken and current lifestyle – including diet, exercise and sleeping habits – provide valuable information for the diagnosis of dizziness.

If you suffer from dizziness, special balance tests can be carried out to determine the cause of the dizziness. This involves checking whether the dizziness originates from the vestibular organ or is caused by a disorder of the vestibular nerve or the nerve pathways in the brain.

At our Vertigo Center, we can draw on extensive testing of the individual sub-organs of the vestibular system in the inner ear, eye movements and the general sense of balance. Hearing and vision tests can also be helpful in diagnosing dizziness. If the dizziness is no longer acute, it can sometimes be consciously induced by certain maneuvers, although this is not possible for all types of dizziness. In selected cases, additional examinations include recording brain waves (electroencephalogram) and imaging procedures (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging). In addition, the cardiovascular system and blood vessels are examined by specialists if there is any suspicion. Occasionally, additional blood tests are carried out.

Finally, a psychologist or psychiatrist can clarify and treat accompanying mental (concomitant) illnesses triggered by the dizziness in discussions and with appropriate tests.