Increasing Dizziness Cases in Minnesota Clinics Reflect Growing Awareness and Treatment Options

An aging population in Minnesota, still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, is experiencing a surge in visits related to dizziness and balance issues. Clinics specializing in diagnosing and treating these conditions are seeing their appointment slots fill rapidly. Notably, Associated Hearing Care in St. Paul installed advanced diagnostic equipment, including a rotating chair, which already accounts for up to 10% of their patient evaluations for dizziness across their ten locations.

Patients often endure prolonged dizziness before seeking medical help, with symptoms ranging from unsteadiness and lightheadedness to vertigo—a sensation of spinning. This condition can be caused by various factors, including medication interactions, heart issues, chronic illnesses like diabetes, or inner ear dysfunction. The inner ear’s vestibular system, responsible for maintaining balance through fluid-filled loops, is frequently implicated.

Age-related vestibular problems are common, and with nearly one in five Minnesotans being seniors, a rise in dizziness cases is anticipated. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to this increase, as some patients experience lingering symptoms or difficulty returning to pre-pandemic activity levels. Increased rates of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, may also play a role.

Data from HealthPartners indicates a significant rise in dizziness-related visits, especially for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where calcium crystals dislodge in the ear canal, disrupting balance. The number of such visits surged from fewer than 3,000 monthly a decade ago to a peak of over 6,400 in May, reflecting both increased prevalence and more proactive care-seeking behavior.

Experts suggest that while the actual prevalence might not have increased, patients are less willing to tolerate dizziness as part of aging and are more inclined to seek treatment—a positive trend. Several clinics and centers across Minnesota have expanded their vestibular services to address this rising demand, with a focus on fall prevention, a critical concern given Minnesota’s high rate of fall-related deaths among seniors.

Patients like Steven Guthrie of Cottage Grove have benefited from comprehensive assessments that identify inner ear issues contributing to their dizziness. The availability of effective treatment options, such as the Epley maneuver, which repositions ear crystals, has improved patient outcomes. Newer maneuvers, like the somersault, are increasingly easier for seniors and those with limited mobility to perform.

Overall, advances in diagnostics and treatment are helping individuals regain stability and confidence, highlighting a broader shift towards better management of dizziness and balance disorders in Minnesota.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-dizzying-problem-minnesota-clinics-vertigo.html