Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms in medicine, encompassing vertigo, lightheadedness, and imbalance. Identifying the type of dizziness is the first step to treatment.
Dizziness is an umbrella term covering several distinct sensations: vertigo (a spinning or rocking sensation), presyncope (feeling about to faint), and disequilibrium (imbalance or unsteadiness). Each type has different causes and requires different management. In Korea, ENT specialists, neurologists, and GPs at community health centres and private clinics are experienced in evaluating and treating all forms of dizziness.
The most common cause of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) — caused by loose calcium crystals (canaliths) in the inner ear. BPPV produces brief episodes of intense spinning triggered by head movement. It is benign and highly treatable with a simple in-office repositioning manoeuvre (Epley manoeuvre) performed by a trained doctor or physiotherapist. Other inner ear causes include Menière's disease (episodic vertigo with hearing loss and tinnitus) and vestibular neuritis (often following a viral infection).
More serious causes of dizziness include cardiac arrhythmias (causing pre-syncope), orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops on standing), and central causes such as posterior circulation stroke or brain tumour. In Korea, major hospitals' neuroscience centres provide specialist assessment for complex dizziness. Any dizziness accompanied by sudden severe headache, double vision, slurred speech, facial drooping, or limb weakness is a potential stroke emergency requiring immediate 119 activation.
Key Points
- BPPV is the most common cause — brief spinning triggered by head movement
- Epley manoeuvre treats BPPV — available at community health centres and ENT clinics
- Dizziness with headache, vision changes, or weakness — call 119
- Dehydration and orthostatic hypotension are common triggers, especially in summer
- Menière's disease causes episodic vertigo with hearing changes
- Cardiac arrhythmias can cause lightheadedness — ECG recommended
Causes & Risk Factors
- BPPV — loose inner ear crystals causing position-triggered vertigo
- Vestibular neuritis — inflammation after viral infection
- Menière's disease — excess inner ear fluid
- Orthostatic hypotension — blood pressure drops when standing
- Cardiac arrhythmias — irregular heart rhythm reducing brain blood flow
- Central causes — stroke, cerebellar lesions (less common but serious)
When to See a Doctor
- Sudden severe dizziness with headache, vision changes, or facial drooping — call 119
- Dizziness with chest pain or palpitations
- First episode of dizziness lasting more than a few minutes
- Dizziness with hearing loss or ringing in the ear
- Recurring dizziness affecting daily activities
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: March 1, 2025