A real client story from our vestibular clinic
Many people who experience dizziness or balance problems want to start treatment straight away. That’s completely understandable—when you feel unsteady or light-headed, you just want it to stop.
However, balance symptoms can have many different causes, and the right treatment depends on the right diagnosis. A thorough assessment is often the most important first step.
Here’s a real example that shows why.
Can dizziness be misdiagnosed?
Yes. Many balance conditions produce similar symptoms, which means they can sometimes be mistaken for one another without detailed testing.
One of our clients came to see our Vestibular Physiotherapist, Shreya, after being diagnosed elsewhere with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). She had already received treatment for some time but hadn’t experienced any improvement.
Feeling frustrated, she booked a free 15-minute Balance Health Check to talk through her symptoms and see whether vestibular rehabilitation could help.
What happens during a Balance Health Check?
A Balance Health Check is a short consultation where we:
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- Listen to your symptoms and concerns
- Ask targeted questions about your dizziness
- Review any previous diagnoses or treatments
- Decide whether further assessment would be helpful
During this client’s video consultation, her symptoms sounded very similar to BPPV. Naturally, she wanted to go straight into treatment.
Why is a full vestibular assessment important?
Even when symptoms seem typical of a specific condition, it’s important to confirm the diagnosis.
Many vestibular disorders share similar signs, and treating the wrong condition can lead to:
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- Ongoing dizziness
- Frustration and anxiety
- Delayed recovery
- Unnecessary treatment sessions
Shreya explained that a comprehensive assessment would give a clearer and more accurate picture of what was really causing the symptoms.
The client agreed to proceed.
What tests are used to diagnose balance problems?
At the clinic, she underwent a full vestibular assessment using advanced diagnostic equipment, including:
Videonystagmography (VNG)
This test measures eye movements to assess how the inner ear balance system is working.
Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT)
This evaluates how well the balance organs in the inner ear respond to quick head movements.
These tests provide objective, detailed information that cannot be gathered through symptoms alone.
What if the diagnosis is different from the original one?
After the detailed assessment, the results showed that her symptoms were not caused by BPPV as previously diagnosed.
Instead, the findings were more consistent with vestibular migraine. This diagnosis explained her symptoms much more accurately and meant the treatment approach needed to change.
Can vestibular rehabilitation help vestibular migraine?
Yes. Many clients with vestibular migraine benefit from a tailored programme of vestibular rehabilitation exercises.
Following her diagnosis, Shreya created a personalised treatment plan. The client attended regular follow-up sessions, and her exercises were adjusted as she improved.
Over time, her symptoms reduced, and she was eventually discharged with the confidence and tools to manage her condition.
What is the most important step in treating dizziness?
The most important step is getting the correct diagnosis.
Dizziness is not a single condition. Symptoms that feel similar can come from very different causes, including:
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- BPPV
- Vestibular migraine
- Inner ear disorders
- Balance system weakness
- Neurological conditions
A thorough assessment helps to:
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- Avoid misdiagnosis
- Prevent ineffective treatment
- Create a personalised care plan
- Improve long-term outcomes
Book your free Balance Health Check
If you’ve been experiencing dizziness, vertigo or balance problems, the first step is understanding what’s causing them.
We offer a free 15-minute Balance Health Check to help you take that first step with confidence.
- Talk through your symptoms
- Get expert advice
- Find out the right next steps
Book your free 15 minute Balance Health Check today and start your journey towards better balance
