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.
Key takeaways
- 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.