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 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
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when there is no actual movement. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, and it can start in the inner ear or the central nervous system.
What causes vertigo?
Several things can cause it, including benign positional vertigo (BPPV), inflammation of the balance nerve (vestibular neuritis), migraine, Ménière's disease, medicine side effects and stroke. Short episodes brought on by head position point to BPPV, while longer spells with hearing or nerve symptoms need a different assessment.
How is vertigo treated?
Treatment may include a head-positioning manoeuvre, balance exercises (vestibular rehabilitation) or care aimed at the underlying cause. Medicines that dampen dizziness can ease symptoms for a short time, but using them too much may slow the brain's natural adjustment.
When should I seek urgent care for vertigo?
Get emergency care if vertigo comes on suddenly with new weakness, changes in speech or vision, a severe headache, inability to stand, fainting, chest pain or sudden hearing loss.
Which tablets for vertigo can I order?
SGMeds lists products containing betahistine and prochlorperazine for vertigo, for example Serc (betahistine) and Compazine (prochlorperazine). Each product page gives the strengths and forms.
Do I need a prescription for medicines for vertigo in Singapore?
No. SGMeds does not ask for a prescription to order medicines for vertigo: we place the order with our pharmacy partner, which prepares it and arranges delivery on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Where can I buy medicines for vertigo online?
You can order them here on SGMeds: choose the product, strength and pack, then check out. We deliver to Singapore and Malaysia. Express shipping is tracked and takes up to 1 week, and Regular shipping takes up to 3 weeks.
How ordering works →