What is vertigo?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. If you have vertigo, you may feel like you are spinning or falling when you are still. Or you may feel like your surroundings are spinning around you.

Vertigo can be very distressing. Ongoing vertigo can stop you from doing your usual activities. It may put you off exercising or make it unsafe for you to drive.

What symptoms are related to vertigo?

If you have vertigo, it may feel like:

• you are spinning
• you are falling
• the world is spinning around you

This is different to dizziness. Dizziness is a more general feeling of being lightheaded, giddy or unsteady.

You may also have other symptoms, such as:

• nausea (feeling sick)
• vomiting (being sick)
• looking pale
• sweating
• hearing loss
• tinnitus (ringing in your ears)

Vertigo can sometimes be brought on or made worse by a sudden change in position. For example, turning over in bed or moving your head to look up. Feelings of vertigo can sometimes come and go in 'attacks'.

What causes vertigo?

You might have vertigo because of an inner ear problem. The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

BPPV occurs when the small crystals in your inner ear move out of place. These crystals help control your balance and affect the messages sent from your inner ear to your brain.

Other inner ear problems that may cause vertigo are:

• Meniere's disease
• vestibular neuritis
• labyrinthitis

Vertigo can be a side effect of some medicines.

Sometimes, vertigo may be caused by a:

• head injury
• migraine
• stroke
• conditions affecting the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis
• brain tumour

How is the cause of vertigo diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. It's helpful if you can tell your doctor about any movements or activities that bring on your vertigo.

They will also ask about any other medical problems you have, and any medicines you take.

Your doctor will examine you. They might check your hearing, eyes and balance.

Your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to rule out a serious cause for your symptoms. They may refer you to a specialist doctor or physiotherapist for more tests and treatment.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have symptoms of vertigo. It's important to work out the cause and get treatment as soon as possible.

When to seek urgent care

Go to the nearest emergency department if you have vertigo and:

• problems with walking or coordination
• problems with your eyesight, eye movements or double vision
• loss of sensation or movement on one side of your body
• slurred speech or difficulty swallowing
• headache
• confusion

How is vertigo treated?

Treatment for vertigo depends on the cause. Sometimes vertigo will get better on its own.

If you are having vertigo attacks, ask your doctor if it is safe to drive.

Self-care at home

You can try these self-care tips to help with vertigo symptoms.

• Sit down as soon as you feel dizzy.
• Lie down in a dark, quiet room during an attack.
• Try to avoid triggers — such as certain head positions or getting out of bed too quickly.

Medicines for vertigo

Your doctor might suggest taking a medicine for a short time. This might help manage your symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Sometimes, medicines used to prevent migraines may be tried.

Other treatments

If your vertigo is due to BPPV, you might have a treatment called canalith repositioning (also known as Epley manoeuvre). This involves your doctor or a specialist physiotherapist using special movements to shift the crystals in your inner ear back into the correct position.

You might also see a specialist physiotherapist for exercises to treat your vertigo.

In rare cases, surgery may be needed.

What are the complications of vertigo?

Vertigo can cause you to fall and injure yourself.

Can vertigo be prevented?

Depending on the cause of your vertigo, your doctor may recommend some things to prevent further episodes. These may include:

• restricting your salt intake and avoiding alcohol and caffeine
• physiotherapy treatment and exercises for vertigo

Ask your doctor if these options are suitable for you.

Resources and support

Safer Care Victoria has information on vertigo.

The Health Translations website has information about vertigo in languages other than English.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.