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Vertigo

Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or movement without corresponding motion. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and may originate in the inner ear or central nervous system.

Serc

Betahistine

8 · 16 · 24mg

Betahistine 8mg, 16mg and 24mg tablets, used for Meniere's disease, vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss. A histamine analogue acting in the inner ear.

From$1.19/ tabletView

Compazine

Prochlorperazine

5mg

Compazine is prochlorperazine 5mg tablets for nausea, vomiting and vertigo. A phenothiazine that blocks dopamine at the chemoreceptor trigger zone.

From$0.46/ tabletView

Key points

  • Brief episodes triggered by head position suggest BPPV, while prolonged vertigo with hearing or neurological symptoms needs a different assessment.
  • Timing, triggers, eye movements, hearing and neurological examination are more useful than the word “dizzy” alone.
  • Repositioning manoeuvres treat BPPV; vestibular suppressants may ease short-term symptoms but can delay compensation when overused.

Catalogue matches do not identify the cause of vertigo or indicate that a vestibular or anti-nausea medicine is suitable.

Why does the cause matter?

BPPV, vestibular neuritis, migraine, Ménière disease, medicine effects and stroke can all cause vertigo. New hearing loss, inability to walk, severe headache or focal neurological signs require prompt specialist assessment.

How are symptoms managed?

Treatment may include a canalith-repositioning manoeuvre, vestibular rehabilitation or cause-specific care. Betahistine and prochlorperazine have selected uses but do not treat every cause and can cause adverse effects; see neurology.

When to seek urgent care

Seek emergency care for sudden vertigo with new weakness, speech or vision change, severe headache, inability to stand, fainting, chest pain or sudden hearing loss.

Further reading