Dizziness & Vertigo Treatment in Seomyeon, Busan
Dizziness and vertigo treatment starts by finding the cause, which may be in the inner ear, the brain, the heart or blood pressure. In Seomyeon, neurology, neurosurgery and ENT clinics typically take a detailed history, examine eye movements and balance, and order brain MRI when a central cause is possible. Common causes such as BPPV can often be treated in the clinic.
Independent patient guide · Medically informative, not a substitute for a doctor's advice · Last reviewed:
What causes dizziness and vertigo?
"Dizziness" (어지럼증) covers several sensations. Vertigo is a false sense of spinning or movement, usually from the inner ear or its connections in the brain. Light-headedness, a feeling of nearly fainting, often relates to blood pressure, dehydration or heart rhythm. Imbalance is unsteadiness when walking. The most common cause of brief positional vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where tiny crystals move into the wrong canal of the inner ear. A smaller but important group of patients has a central cause, such as a stroke.
Symptoms and when to see a doctor
- Spinning triggered by turning in bed or looking up (suggests BPPV)
- Prolonged severe vertigo with nausea for a day or more (may suggest vestibular neuritis)
- Episodes with hearing loss, ringing and ear fullness (may suggest Meniere's disease)
- Dizziness with headache in people with migraine
Call 119 for sudden dizziness with facial droop, arm or leg weakness, slurred speech, double vision, severe headache or inability to walk. These may be stroke signs and need emergency care.
What happens at the clinic
- History: what the dizziness feels like, how long it lasts and what triggers it.
- Examination: eye movements (nystagmus), positional tests such as Dix-Hallpike, coordination and gait.
- Blood pressure checks: lying and standing.
- Additional tests: hearing test, video eye movement testing, ECG or brain MRI/MRA when needed.
- Treatment: repositioning maneuvers for BPPV, short-term anti-nausea medicine, and vestibular exercises.
Treatment outlook
BPPV often resolves after one or a few repositioning maneuvers, though it can recur. Vestibular neuritis usually improves over days to weeks, helped by early movement and vestibular rehabilitation. Vestibular migraine responds to migraine management. Long-term use of sedating anti-dizziness medicines can slow the brain's natural compensation, so they are best used briefly.
Risks and side effects
Anti-vertigo medicines can cause drowsiness and increase fall risk, especially in older adults. Repositioning maneuvers may briefly provoke vertigo and nausea. Missing a central cause is the most important risk, which is why careful examination matters.
Choosing a clinic for dizziness in Seomyeon
- Look for a clinic that examines eye movements and performs positional tests, not just prescribes medicine.
- Ask whether they can perform BPPV repositioning maneuvers on the spot.
- Ask when they would recommend brain MRI or MRA.
- Ask whether vestibular rehabilitation exercises are provided.
- If symptoms involve hearing, ask about coordination with an ENT specialist.
Practical note
Do not drive while dizzy. Ask someone to accompany you, or take a taxi. Clinics around Seomyeon Station are reachable by Lines 1 and 2, but a taxi may be safer during an attack.
Key facts
- Types: vertigo (spinning), light-headedness, imbalance
- Common causes: BPPV, vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, vestibular migraine, low blood pressure
- Serious causes: stroke or TIA, especially in the brainstem or cerebellum
- Tests: eye movement exam, positional tests, hearing test, brain MRI/MRA if needed
- Treatments: repositioning maneuvers, short-term medicine, vestibular rehabilitation
- Visit time: about 30–60 minutes for assessment
- Emergency: call 119 for dizziness with weakness, slurred speech or double vision
Frequently asked questions
When is dizziness an emergency?
Call 119 if dizziness comes with weakness, numbness, facial droop, slurred speech, double vision, severe headache, chest pain or fainting. These may indicate stroke or a heart problem.
What is BPPV and how is it treated?
BPPV is brief spinning triggered by head movements, caused by displaced inner-ear crystals. A doctor can guide them back with repositioning maneuvers, often relieving symptoms in one or a few sessions.
Do I need a brain MRI for dizziness?
Not always. MRI is recommended when examination suggests a central cause, for stroke risk factors with atypical features, or with neurological symptoms. Typical BPPV usually does not need imaging.
Should I see a neurologist or ENT for vertigo?
Both treat dizziness. ENT specialists focus on ear-related causes, while neurologists and neurosurgeons assess brain-related causes. Many clinics assess both and refer as needed.
Is dizziness treatment covered by insurance in Korea?
Consultations, examinations, many tests and medicines are generally covered by National Health Insurance for enrolled patients. Brain MRI coverage depends on criteria.
Medical disclaimer: Seomyeon.Clinic is an independent information directory. Content is for general education and does not replace a consultation with a licensed physician. Suitability, risks, results and costs vary by person and clinic. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.