Vertigo & balance clinic in Mohali: ent or neuro – which doctor to see?

If you or a loved one are experiencing dizziness, spinning sensations, imbalance or unexplained falls in Mohali, it can be confusing to know which specialist to consult first. This comprehensive guide explains what vertigo and balance disorders are, the common causes, the tests and treatments available at a vertigo clinic in Mohali, and practical advice on whether to see an ENT doctor or a neurologist. We also outline what to expect at Livasa Hospitals, Livasa Mohali, and how to book a consultation.

What is vertigo and how is it different from dizziness?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the false sensation of motion — usually a spinning or rotational feeling — when you are actually still. Many people describe vertigo as the room spinning around them or themselves spinning within the room. Dizziness is a broader term that includes lightheadedness, near-fainting (pre-syncope), disequilibrium or imbalance, and non-specific unsteadiness. Understanding the distinction is important because it directs the diagnostic pathway and the specialist you may need to see.

The inner ear (vestibular system) and the brain (central pathways) work together to maintain balance and spatial orientation. When signals from the inner ear conflict with visual or proprioceptive signals, the brain perceives motion that isn’t there — producing vertigo. Other forms of dizziness arise from low blood pressure, medication side effects, cardiac rhythm problems, or generalized weakness. Symptoms often overlap: patients may report both spinning and lightheadedness during a single episode.

For clinicians, separating the chief complaint into categories — true vertigo (spinning), presyncope (faint feeling), disequilibrium (imbalance), and non-specific dizziness — is the first diagnostic step. This classification helps decide whether to pursue vestibular testing, cardiovascular workup, metabolic tests or neuroimaging. If you live in Mohali or nearby areas in Punjab and are searching for "vertigo clinic Mohali" or "dizziness clinic near me", clarity about what you feel will help you connect with the right specialist quickly.

What causes vertigo and balance disorders?

Vertigo and balance disorders result from many different causes. Broadly, these causes are divided into peripheral (originating in the inner ear or vestibular nerve) and central (originating in the brainstem or cerebellum). Peripheral causes are the most common and frequently seen in ENT and vestibular clinics, while central causes require neurologic evaluation.

Common peripheral causes include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — brief episodes of intense spinning triggered by head position changes; the single most common cause of vertigo in adults.
• Vestibular neuritis / labrynthitis — often viral, causing sudden prolonged vertigo with nausea and imbalance.
• Meniere’s disease — episodic vertigo associated with fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness.
• Perilymph fistula — abnormal inner ear leak after trauma or barotrauma.
• Ototoxicity — medication-related vestibular damage (certain antibiotics, chemotherapy agents).

Central causes include:

• Posterior circulation stroke — sudden vertigo with other neurological deficits (double vision, slurred speech, weakness).
• Cerebellar disorders — ataxia, gait instability with vertigo.
• Multiple sclerosis and demyelinating disease — episodic vertigo can be a presenting symptom.
• Vestibular migraine — recurrent vertigo associated with migraine features; very common and often under-recognized.

Non-vestibular causes that can mimic vertigo include cardiovascular problems (arrhythmia, hypotension), metabolic disturbances (hypoglycaemia), cervical spine disorders, and psychiatric causes such as anxiety-induced dizziness. Globally, an estimated 20–30% of adults report dizziness at some point in their lives, and prevalence increases with age. In India, dizziness and vertigo are frequent reasons for ENT and neurology consultations in tertiary centres, with studies indicating vestibular disorders form a substantial fraction of outpatient visits. In Mohali and Punjab, the growing awareness of vestibular clinics and specialised ENT/neurology services has improved diagnosis and management for many patients.

Symptoms and red flags: when to seek urgent care

Many episodes of vertigo are not life-threatening, but certain symptoms are red flags that require urgent evaluation — often at an emergency department or within a specialist clinic on the same day. Knowing these warning signs can be lifesaving.

Seek immediate medical attention (call emergency services or visit the nearest emergency department in Mohali) if you experience:

• Sudden, severe vertigo with new neurological symptoms — slurred speech, facial droop, limb weakness, difficulty walking or loss of coordination.
• Acute onset vertigo with sudden hearing loss — may indicate inner ear stroke or severe inner ear disease.
• Double vision or difficulty swallowing — signs of brainstem involvement.
• Severe head trauma followed by dizziness — possible skull base injury or inner ear leak.
• Persistent vomiting and dehydration — requires immediate fluid and symptom control.

For non-emergency but concerning signs, arrange an appointment within 24–72 hours with a vertigo clinic in Mohali. Symptoms that warrant expedited outpatient evaluation include prolonged unsteadiness affecting daily activities, recurrent spells affecting work or driving, and vertigo associated with new or worsening hearing loss or tinnitus. At Livasa Hospitals, the vertigo and balance clinic in Mohali offers rapid triage and prioritised appointments for urgent cases — call +91 80788 80788 or book online at Livasa Hospitals appointment.

Which doctor should you see: ent, neurologist, or both?

If you are asking "which doctor to see for vertigo Mohali" or searching “ENT doctor for vertigo Mohali” vs “neurologist for vertigo Mohali”, the answer often depends on the likely cause of your symptoms. Many patients first consult an ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) or a neurotologist — a subspecialist focused on ear and skull base disorders — especially when vertigo is associated with hearing changes, tinnitus or positional triggers. A neurologist is essential when central nervous system causes are suspected, when there are other neurological signs, or when more complex neurodiagnostic evaluation is required.

To help you decide quickly, here is a comparison of the roles each specialist typically plays:

In practice many clinics in Mohali and elsewhere use a multidisciplinary approach — ENT and neurology teams work together, supported by audiology and physiotherapy, which is ideal for complex cases. At Livasa Hospitals Mohali, the vertigo clinic follows this model: ENT and neurologists collaborate closely so patients get the right tests and treatments quickly. If in doubt, starting with an ENT who has vestibular expertise or a neurotologist is reasonable; they will refer to neurology if central causes are suspected.

Diagnostic tests at a vertigo clinic Mohali: what to expect

A thorough evaluation in a vertigo clinic includes history, focused physical examination and targeted diagnostic tests. The clinician will look for characteristic patterns — timing, triggers, associated symptoms (hearing loss, headache, neurological signs), and response to previous treatments. Tests commonly used in Mohali vertigo clinics and at Livasa Hospitals include:

• Videonystagmography (VNG) / electronystagmography (ENG) — records eye movements to identify abnormal vestibular reflexes.
• Video head impulse test (vHIT) — assesses high-frequency vestibulo-ocular reflex function.
• Caloric testing — checks each ear’s response to warm and cold stimuli.
• Pure tone audiometry and speech tests — assess hearing to identify Meniere’s or other cochlear involvement.
• Posturography — measures balance and weight distribution in different sensory conditions.
• MRI brain with posterior fossa protocol — used when central causes are suspected (stroke, tumor, demyelination).
• Blood tests, ECG — to exclude metabolic or cardiac causes.

Below is a comparison table summarising strengths and typical use for each test:

In Mohali, modern vestibular clinics — including Livasa Hospitals vertigo clinic Mohali — routinely offer these diagnostic modalities. Early, accurate testing improves outcomes by directing therapies such as repositioning maneuvers for BPPV, vestibular rehabilitation for hypofunction, or urgent stroke workup when necessary. If you are searching "VNG test Mohali" or "videonystagmography Mohali", discuss availability and pre-test instructions with the clinic at +91 80788 80788.

Treatment options: from Epley maneuver to surgery

Treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause. Many peripheral vestibular disorders respond well to targeted, non-surgical measures. A central cause often requires neurologic treatment and rehabilitation tailored to the diagnosis. Below are the main treatment pathways you will encounter at a vertigo clinic in Punjab and Mohali.

• Repositioning maneuvers (Epley, Semont) — first-line for BPPV, simple to perform and highly effective in a single clinic visit for many patients.
• Vestibular suppressants — medications such as antihistamines, benzodiazepines or antiemetics for short-term symptom control during acute severe vertigo.
• Diuretics and dietary modification — for Meniere’s disease to reduce endolymphatic hydrops.
• Intratympanic steroid or gentamicin injections — for refractory Meniere’s or unilateral vestibular failure when conservative measures fail.
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) — exercise-based therapy to promote central compensation and improve balance long-term.
• Surgical options — rare and reserved for refractory cases (labyrinthectomy, vestibular nerve section, endolymphatic sac surgery).

For a clear comparison of common treatment approaches, see the table below:

In Mohali and the wider Punjab region, non-invasive treatments like manoeuvres and vestibular rehabilitation are widely available and often very effective. For persistent or unusual cases, advanced interventions are available at tertiary centres like Livasa Hospitals. If you want to explore "BPPV treatment Mohali", "Epley maneuver Mohali" or "vestibular rehabilitation Punjab", the vertigo clinic at Livasa Mohali can provide prompt assessment and treatment planning.

Vestibular rehabilitation physiotherapy: what it is and how it helps

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an evidence-based, exercise-oriented approach to reduce dizziness, improve balance and enhance daily function. It is not a single exercise but a tailored program designed by a trained vestibular physiotherapist or ENT specialist in collaboration with your clinical team. VRT helps the brain adapt and compensate for vestibular deficits through specific tasks that challenge balance, gaze stability and spatial orientation.

Typical components of vestibular rehabilitation include:

• Gaze stabilization exercises — improve control of eye movements during head motion.
• Balance retraining — standing and gait exercises that progressively reduce reliance on visual or proprioceptive cues.
• Habituation exercises — repeated exposure to provoking movements to reduce sensitivity.
• Functional training — tasks that replicate daily activities and reduce fall risk.

Outcomes: Most patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction experience significant improvement in symptoms, balance and confidence within 6–12 weeks of consistent therapy. Patients with bilateral vestibular loss or central balance disorders may improve more slowly and benefit from long-term maintenance programs. Importantly, VRT reduces falls and improves independence — outcomes that are especially valuable for older adults in Mohali and surrounding areas.

Access in Mohali: Livasa Hospitals Mohali provides vestibular physiotherapy as part of its multidisciplinary vertigo clinic. Sessions are individualised and combined with home exercise programs so patients can continue rehabilitation between clinic visits. If you search "vestibular physiotherapy Mohali" or "vestibular rehabilitation Punjab", discuss an initial physiotherapy assessment with the vertigo clinic team — you can call +91 80788 80788 or book online at Livasa Hospitals appointment.

Choosing the right specialist in Mohali: practical tips and what to expect at Livasa Mohali

When choosing a specialist for vertigo in Mohali, consider the following steps to ensure timely, effective care:

• Start with the symptom pattern: positional spinning (BPPV) — see an ENT/vestibular specialist; new neurological signs — see a neurologist urgently.
• Seek centres offering multidisciplinary care: where ENT, neurology, audiology and physiotherapy collaborate for comprehensive evaluation and therapy.
• Ask about testing availability: VNG, vHIT, caloric testing, MRI — having these locally available avoids delays.
• Check for vestibular rehabilitation services: early physiotherapy speeds recovery and reduces recurrence.

At Livasa Hospitals, Livasa Mohali, patients receive coordinated care in our vertigo and balance clinic. The team includes ENT specialists with vestibular training, neurologists, audiologists and experienced vestibular physiotherapists. On your first visit you can expect:

• A detailed history and focused neuro-otologic examination.
• Bedside positional tests (Dix-Hallpike) and nystagmus observation.
• Access to objective vestibular tests (VNG, vHIT, caloric) and audiometry.
• Rapid treatment options such as Epley maneuvers or acute symptom control, and a plan for rehabilitation or further imaging if needed.

Local patients often search for "vertigo specialist near me", "vertigo specialist Mohali" or "best vertigo clinic Punjab". Livasa Hospitals Mohali aims to be a patient-focused choice: we prioritise short waiting times for vertigo consultation, offer same-day repositioning maneuvers for BPPV when possible, and create personalised care plans. To book an appointment call +91 80788 80788 or visit https://www.livasahospitals.com/appointment.

Costs, prognosis and prevention: what patients in Mohali should know

Cost is an important concern for many patients. Vertigo treatment costs in Mohali and Punjab vary with the complexity of evaluation and interventions. Simple visits, bedside maneuvers (Epley), and basic vestibular tests may be low-cost, while advanced testing (VNG, MRI) or intratympanic therapies and surgery will increase the total expense. As a general guide, many patients find repositioning maneuvers and vestibular rehabilitation to be highly cost-effective because they reduce recurrent clinic visits and improve function. For an accurate estimate of vertigo treatment cost in Mohali or vertigo treatment cost Punjab, contact Livasa Hospitals at +91 80788 80788 or book an appointment online; the team can provide an itemised cost estimate based on the planned tests and therapies.

Prognosis depends on cause:

• BPPV: excellent prognosis; many patients cured with one or a few repositioning sessions.
• Vestibular neuritis: good recovery over weeks to months; VRT speeds compensation.
• Meniere’s disease: variable; many have episodic control with lifestyle and medical therapy, while a minority require intratympanic therapy or surgery.
• Central causes: prognosis depends on the underlying neurological condition; early diagnosis is critical.

Prevention strategies and self-care tips that reduce vertigo recurrence and fall risk include:

• Manage cardiovascular risk factors and medications that may worsen dizziness.
• Avoid rapid head movements if you have positional vertigo; seek early repositioning manoeuvres.
• Stay hydrated, maintain regular meals to avoid hypoglycaemia.
• Use home modifications and mobility aids if balance is compromised (good lighting, removed tripping hazards, grab-bars).
• Complete prescribed vestibular exercises and follow-up visits.

National and international data show that timely specialist care reduces long-term disability from vestibular disorders. In Mohali, the availability of dedicated vestibular clinics improves access to both diagnosis and rehabilitation, allowing many patients to return to normal activity and work more quickly.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Below are answers to common questions patients search for in Mohali and across Punjab.

• Q: If I have brief spinning when I turn over in bed, which doctor should I see?

  A: This pattern is classic for BPPV — an ENT specialist or a vestibular physiotherapist can perform a Dix-Hallpike test and perform the Epley maneuver, often resolving symptoms quickly.

• Q: How long does vestibular rehabilitation take?

  A: Most patients see measurable improvements within 6–12 weeks, with a personalised home exercise program to continue progress.

• Q: Could my dizziness be a sign of stroke?

  A: Sudden severe vertigo with additional neurological signs (double vision, weakness, slurred speech) could indicate a posterior circulation stroke and requires immediate emergency evaluation.

• Q: Are vertigo tests painful?

  A: Most vestibular tests are non-invasive and well tolerated. Some tests can provoke dizziness temporarily; clinicians take precautions to keep patients safe and comfortable.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you have sudden or severe symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.