What it is
Symptoms are usually worst in the first few days and get better within a few weeks.
Rest, short courses of medicine for sickness and dizziness, and balance exercises (vestibular rehabilitation) help.
Common signs
- Dizziness or a feeling that everything is spinning
- Feeling unsteady or off balance
- Feeling or being sick
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (labyrinthitis)
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the ears, eyes and balance
- Hearing tests
- Scans if another cause is suspected
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Hearing test results
- ENT or audiology letters
- Notes on balance exercises
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is this labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis?
- When will the dizziness stop?
- Would balance exercises help?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Dizziness with weakness, numbness, slurred speech, double vision or a sudden severe headache: call 112, it may be a stroke
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.