When clients come to us with dizziness or balance issues, every case is unique. Some symptoms may have a straightforward cause, while others can reveal more complex conditions. This recent case highlights the importance of thorough assessment and collaboration in managing vestibular health — and how a simple FREE Balance Health Check can be the first vital step.
Mrs X’s Initial Concerns
Mrs X first contacted our clinic after experiencing a sudden episode of head-spinning sensations. She explained that she has a history of vertigo, though episodes are infrequent — typically only once or twice a year, lasting for a few days at a time.
Importantly, she reported no other symptoms such as headache, hearing loss, or tinnitus. In the past, she had been prescribed medication to manage vertigo, and her GP had suggested that anxiety might occasionally trigger the episodes.
The Value of a Balance Health Check
Mrs X booked a FREE Balance Health Check with our Vestibular & Balance Physiotherapist, Shreya. These short appointments are designed to help people understand whether specialist vestibular physiotherapy could help them — but equally importantly, they allow us to quickly screen for any red flag symptoms that might need urgent medical attention.
Because dizziness and vertigo can sometimes signal more serious medical issues, Shreya recommended that Mrs X undergo emergency screening at A&E before proceeding to a full vestibular assessment with us.
A Surprising Discovery
A week later, Mrs X returned with her results. During her CT scan, doctors had discovered a pituitary adenoma — a benign growth on the pituitary gland. While unrelated to her immediate dizziness, this finding underscored just how crucial early screening can be in identifying underlying health conditions.
A New Symptom Emerges
Alongside her longer history of vertigo, Mrs X also began to notice brief episodes of dizziness when lying down — specifically when turning to one side in bed. These episodes lasted only a few seconds, without headache, hearing changes, or balance loss.
This new pattern of symptoms suggested something different: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), one of the most common causes of vertigo.
Assessment & Diagnosis
Once urgent causes had been ruled out, Mrs X attended a full Vestibular & Balance assessment with us. We confirmed that she did indeed have BPPV, alongside her other systemic condition. Unlike her previous infrequent vertigo episodes, this condition was positional and very typical of BPPV.
The good news is that BPPV is highly treatable with simple, non-invasive manoeuvres designed to reposition the small crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear that cause dizziness.
Key Takeaways from Mrs X’s Case
- Don’t ignore dizziness — even if episodes are rare.
- Start with a Balance Health Check — it’s quick, free, and can flag urgent causes.
- Screening saves lives — Mrs X’s scan revealed a separate but important health condition.
- Specialist care matters — vestibular assessment identified BPPV and led to targeted treatment.
Supporting Clients with Balance Concerns
At our clinic, we know how distressing vertigo and dizziness can be — whether they occur once a year or every day. Our Vestibular & Balance service is designed to:
- Rule out urgent causes quickly.
- Accurately assess conditions like BPPV.
- Provide safe, evidence-based treatments.
If you or someone you know is experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems, don’t wait. Book a FREE Balance Health Check today and take the first step toward steadier days.
