Dizziness and Balance Issues: Brain or Nerve Problem? – With Dr. Hesham El-Hanawy

Frequent dizziness or imbalance can significantly disrupt daily life, often signaling an underlying medical condition.
Dr. Hesham El-Hanawy, Consultant Neurologist, explains that these symptoms may stem from either central causes (brain-related) or peripheral causes (nerves or inner ear disorders).

Possible Causes of Dizziness and Balance Problems

According to Dr. Hesham El-Hanawy, the most common causes include:

• Inner ear disorders like vestibular neuritis or Meniere’s disease

• Reduced blood flow to the brain, possibly due to mini-strokes or poor circulation

• Vestibular migraine

• Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease

• Vitamin B12 deficiency or blood sugar imbalances

Accurate diagnosis is the key to determining the real cause and providing proper treatment.

When Is the Brain the Cause?

Dr. Hesham El-Hanawy notes that when dizziness is related to brain disorders, it is often accompanied by:

• Difficulty speaking or weakness in the limbs

• Double vision

• Sudden, severe headache

• Partial loss of consciousness or confusion

In such cases, brain imaging like MRI or CT scans is often required.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Hesham El-Hanawy approaches diagnosis through:

• Neurological clinical examination

• Balance tests such as VNG (Videonystagmography)

• Hearing and inner ear function tests

• Blood tests to assess sugar levels and vitamin deficiencies

• Brain and nerve imaging when necessary

Treatment varies based on the cause and may include medications, balance therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or advanced neurological care.

Conclusion

Dizziness and balance problems aren’t always simple symptoms—they can be warning signs of a brain or nerve issue.
With the expertise of Dr. Hesham El-Hanawy in neurology, patients receive accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments to help restore stability and confidence in their daily lives.