Dizziness

“Dizziness” is a broad term people use for several different sensations - spinning (vertigo), lightheadedness, floating or swaying, or a general feeling of unsteadiness. Because it can stem from the inner ear, the nervous system, blood pressure, or other causes, the first job is to work out what kind of dizziness you have and what is driving it. Vestibular physiotherapy assessment at Goji Physio in Lentor, Singapore helps clarify this and, where the balance system is involved, uses targeted rehabilitation to reduce symptoms and restore confidence in movement.

What causes dizziness?

Dizziness has many possible contributors, including:

• Inner-ear (vestibular) conditions: such as BPPV, vestibular neuritis, or vestibular hypofunction
• Balance-system deconditioning: after illness, injury, or a period of reduced activity
• Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD): ongoing unsteadiness and sensitivity to movement, often after an initial trigger
• Other medical factors: blood pressure changes, medications, dehydration, anxiety, low blood sugar, or general health issues

Because the causes overlap, careful assessment is important to guide the right treatment and to identify anything that needs medical review.

When should dizziness be assessed?

It is worth seeking assessment when dizziness is persistent, recurrent, or affecting your daily activities, work, or confidence. Seek urgent medical attention if dizziness is accompanied by chest pain, severe headache, fainting, weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, double vision, or difficulty walking, as these require prompt medical evaluation.

What does a session at Goji involve?

Your physiotherapist will take a careful history - describing your dizziness, its triggers, duration, and impact - then carry out an assessment that may include:

• Vestibular and eye-movement testing: how your inner ear and eyes coordinate to stabilise vision and balance
• Positional testing: to identify movement-triggered causes such as BPPV
• Balance and gait assessment: how steady you are when standing and walking
• Screening: checking for features that suggest a cause needing medical referral

You will leave with an explanation of the likely contributors to your dizziness and, where appropriate, a tailored rehabilitation plan.

How is dizziness treated?

When the balance system is involved, vestibular rehabilitation - a personalised programme of gaze-stability, habituation, and balance exercises - helps the brain adapt and reduces symptoms over time. Where dizziness has other drivers, your physiotherapist will guide you toward the appropriate care, coordinating with your doctor as needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is dizziness the same as vertigo?

No. Vertigo is a specific spinning sensation and is one type of dizziness. Dizziness also includes lightheadedness, swaying, and unsteadiness. Identifying which you experience helps direct assessment.

Can physiotherapy help ongoing dizziness?

When the balance system or movement sensitivity is involved, vestibular rehabilitation can be helpful. Your physiotherapist will assess whether your dizziness is likely to respond and design a suitable programme.

Why do I feel dizzy but my scans are normal?

Many causes of dizziness do not show on scans, particularly inner-ear and movement-sensitivity conditions. Normal imaging can be reassuring and does not mean your symptoms are not real or treatable.

Will exercises make me feel worse at first?

Some vestibular exercises briefly provoke symptoms as part of helping the brain adapt. This is expected and guided carefully by your physiotherapist, with the aim of gradual improvement.

Could anxiety be contributing to my dizziness?

Yes - dizziness and anxiety can influence each other, and this is common and understandable. Vestibular rehabilitation, education, and coordinated care can all help address this cycle.