What it is
Vertigo often gets better by itself. Depending on the cause, simple head movements, medicines or balance exercises (vestibular rehabilitation) can help.
Getting up slowly, sitting down when it starts and avoiding bright lights during an attack can help.
Common signs
- A spinning feeling
- Losing your balance
- Feeling or being sick
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Ringing in the ears or hearing loss, with some causes
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about symptoms
- Examination, including the Dix-Hallpike test
- Hearing tests
- Sometimes an MRI scan
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- GP or ENT notes
- Hearing test results
- Balance test reports
- Scan reports
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is causing my vertigo?
- Would balance exercises help?
- Is it safe for me to drive?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Vertigo with a severe headache, double vision, weakness, numbness, slurred speech or trouble walking: call 112 immediately
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.