Dizziness is one of the most common reasons people visit their GP — but it is also one of the most misunderstood. The word "dizziness" means different things to different people. Some experience a spinning sensation (vertigo). Others feel lightheaded, unsteady, or as though the ground is shifting beneath them. Some feel disconnected from their surroundings, or find that busy environments feel overwhelming.
Understanding which type of dizziness you experience is an important first step — because different types of dizziness have different causes, and different treatments.
Dizziness affects people of all ages — from young adults with vestibular migraine, to working-age adults with PPPD or BPPV, to older adults experiencing age-related balance decline. It is one of the top five reasons people attend their GP and accounts for a significant proportion of ENT and neurology referrals.
It can be a brief, single episode or a persistent, long-standing problem. It can be triggered by movement, by visual environments, or it can be present constantly. It can come with nausea, headache, tinnitus, brain fog, ear fullness, or anxiety — or with no other symptoms at all.
You should seek urgent medical attention immediately if your dizziness is accompanied by:
The first five symptoms above may indicate a serious neurological cause and require urgent assessment in A&E. Sudden hearing loss in one ear is a separate emergency requiring urgent ENT assessment — contact your GP or ENT service the same day.
For dizziness without these features, specialist vestibular physiotherapy assessment is often the most effective next step — particularly if your symptoms have been present for more than a few days, have not responded to previous treatment, or if your tests have come back normal.
Our Dizziness and Balance Service offers specialist assessment and rehabilitation for the full range of vestibular and balance conditions. Appointments are 60 minutes — giving proper time to take a thorough history, carry out a comprehensive clinical assessment, explain what is happening in clear terms, and agree a treatment plan.
No. You can self-refer directly to the YOS HEALTH Dizziness and Balance Service. Simply book online or call us. If you have been referred by a GP or specialist, please bring any relevant letters or investigation results to your appointment.
Your initial appointment is 60 minutes. Your specialist will take a detailed history of your symptoms, carry out a comprehensive clinical assessment, explain what they find in terms that make sense to you, and agree a clear plan going forward. Many patients with BPPV begin treatment in the same appointment.
This depends on your condition. BPPV often resolves within one to two appointments. Conditions such as PPPD, vestibular migraine and neurological balance disorders typically require a structured programme of several appointments over a number of weeks. Your specialist will give you a clear estimate at your first appointment.
Yes — and this is one of the most common situations we see. Normal investigations do not mean there is nothing wrong. Many vestibular conditions, including PPPD and vestibular migraine, produce no abnormality on standard imaging. Specialist clinical assessment is often more informative than investigations for these conditions.
Yes. We regularly see older adults with complex balance problems, falls risk and age-related vestibular decline. Our specialist has extensive experience in neurological and vestibular rehabilitation across all age groups.
Yes, and it is a very common concern. Many patients with dizziness and balance problems feel anxious about travelling to appointments — particularly those with PPPD or vestibular migraine who find busy environments challenging. Our clinic at YOS HEALTH is located at 188 Tooley Street, a short walk from London Bridge station, which is accessible by tube, bus and mainline train. If you are concerned about travelling alone, we recommend bringing someone with you to your first appointment if possible. For patients who find travel genuinely difficult, we can discuss options including home visits.
If you are experiencing active dizziness or vertigo, please consider whether it is safe for you to drive before your appointment. Following certain treatments — particularly the Epley manoeuvre for BPPV — your specialist may advise you not to drive immediately afterwards. If you are uncertain, we recommend arranging alternative transport or bringing someone with you who can drive you home. London Bridge station is a short walk from the clinic and is well connected by tube and mainline rail.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. You may be asked to lie down, turn your head and walk during your assessment. Please bring any relevant letters from your GP, ENT specialist or neurologist, a list of your current medications, and the results of any investigations such as MRI, hearing tests or blood tests. If you wear glasses or hearing aids, please bring these with you.
The YOS HEALTH Dizziness and Balance Service is available at our London Bridge clinic. Most patients are seen within one to two weeks of enquiry.
