Vertigo Treatment in India: Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters More Than Ever

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Vertigo and balance disorders are fast emerging as a significant yet under-recognised health concern in India. Clinicians across specialties report that a large number of patients presenting with dizziness are either misdiagnosed or treated only symptomatically, without identifying the root cause.

Studies indicate that nearly 15% to 20% of adults experience vertigo or dizziness annually, with prevalence peaking in the 55–64 age group. This highlights the growing burden of vertigo in India, particularly among the elderly population.

Why Vertigo Is Often Misdiagnosed

Despite its high prevalence, vertigo is frequently dismissed as a minor ailment. This leads to delays in diagnosis, prolonged discomfort, and in some cases, missed detection of serious neurological or ENT conditions.

Medical experts emphasise that vertigo is not a standalone disease but a symptom that may arise from multiple underlying causes—ranging from inner ear disorders to neurological conditions. Without a structured diagnostic approach, patients often undergo unnecessary tests or receive incomplete treatment.

Understanding the Types of Vertigo

A precise diagnosis begins with differentiating between the three main categories of vertigo:

• Peripheral vertigo: Caused by inner ear issues such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Central vertigo: Linked to brain-related conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis
• Functional vertigo: Associated with psychological or non-structural causes

These categories often overlap in presentation but require distinctly different treatment approaches, making accurate classification essential.

Expert Insights on Vertigo in India

Dr. Suryanarayana Sharma PM, Senior Consultant Neurologist and Stroke Specialist, highlights the scale of the issue:
“In India, more than 70 million people are affected by vertigo. While nearly 74% of cases are benign, recognising red flags and serious neurological or ENT conditions is critical. This calls for a multidisciplinary team approach, and dedicated vertigo clinics are increasingly important.”

Dr. Sunil Narayan Dutt, Senior Consultant and Clinical Advisor in ENT, underscores the importance of clinical expertise:
“Physicians need greater confidence in assessing vertigo patients, especially in busy clinical settings where time and resources are limited. A structured, case-based approach helps improve both diagnosis and patient care.”

Internationally renowned neurologist and vestibular expert Dr. Michael Strupp adds, “Many vertigo conditions today are highly treatable. The real challenge is ensuring the right diagnosis is made early through systematic clinical evaluation.”

Growing Complexity of Vertigo Cases

Experts also note that vertigo is increasingly being linked with broader neurological and post-viral conditions, making diagnosis more complex. This evolving pattern further reinforces the need for early and accurate identification of underlying causes.

The Way Forward: Better Diagnosis, Better Outcomes

With vertigo cases on the rise due to ageing populations, lifestyle changes, and increased awareness, improving diagnostic precision at the first point of care has become critical.

A structured clinical approach—combining detailed patient history, bedside examination, and targeted evaluation—can significantly reduce unnecessary investigations and ensure faster, more effective treatment.