Vertigo
Vertigo
Vertigo is a symptom, not a condition in itself. It's the sensation that you, or the world around you, is moving or spinning.
This feeling can be very mild, or so strong that it's hard to keep your balance and do normal things.
Vertigo can come on suddenly and last for a short time, or much longer. If your vertigo is severe, your symptoms might be constant and last for several days, which can make daily life very difficult.
Symptoms of vertigo may include:
- a loss of balance, which can make it hard to stand or walk
- feeling sick, or being sick
- dizziness
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
Emergency Warning Signs
Speak to your doctor if:
- your vertigo starts suddenly
- you have vertigo that isn't going away
- you have vertigo that keeps returning
- vertigo is making it hard to do your daily activities
Phone a doctor or the 16263 health line for an urgent appointment if you have vertigo and:
- a severe headache
- feel sick or are being sick
- have a high temperature and feel shivery
Phone 999 or go to the hospital emergency department if you have vertigo and:
- double vision
- hearing loss
- difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- weakness, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Speak to your doctor if:
- your vertigo starts suddenly
- you have vertigo that isn't going away
- you have vertigo that keeps returning
- vertigo is making it hard to do your daily activities
Phone a doctor or the 16263 health line for an urgent appointment if you have vertigo and:
- a severe headache
- feel sick or are being sick
- have a high temperature and feel shivery
Phone 999 or go to the hospital emergency department if you have vertigo and:
- double vision
- hearing loss
- difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- weakness, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
Causes
What causes vertigo?
Problems with the inner ear, which control your balance, are the most common cause of vertigo. It can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain.
Common causes of vertigo may include:
- benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where certain head movements trigger vertigo
- migraine
- labyrinthitis or vestibular neuronitis, which is an inner ear infection
- persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD)
- Ménière's disease
Less commonly, vertigo can sometimes be caused by conditions that affect certain parts of the brain. This can include a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumours.
Depending on the condition causing vertigo, you may have other symptoms, such as:
- a high temperature
- ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- hearing loss
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and can do an examination to help figure out what kind of vertigo you have. They might also send you for more tests.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on what's causing your vertigo. Gentle movement is encouraged as soon as you feel able to. This will help your body's balance systems reset.
Medicines, such as prochlorperazine and some antihistamines, may help in most cases of vertigo. These should only be used for a short time, 3 to 5 days. Using them for longer may slow down your recovery.
Many people with vertigo get better without any treatment. If you're still experiencing vertigo or balance problems after 6 weeks, your doctor may refer you to a Vestibular Physiotherapist or an ENT consultant.