Vertigo

Vertigo | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Ears, nose and throat Vertigo Vertigo Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself. Its the feeling that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning. This feeling may be barely noticeable, or it may be so severe that you find it difficult to keep your balance and do everyday tasks. Vertigo can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds or much longer. If you have severe vertigo, your symptoms may be constant and last for several days, making daily life very difficult. Symptoms of vertigo may include: loss of balance  which can make it difficult to stand or walk feeling sick or being sick dizziness When to get medical advice Speak to your GP practice if: your vertigo comes on suddenly you have vertigo that will not go away you have vertigo that keeps coming back vertigo is affecting your daily life Diagnosing vertigo Your GP will ask about your symptoms and can carry out an examination to help determine some types of vertigo. They may also refer you for further tests. What causes vertigo? Inner ear problems, which affect balance, are the most common causes of vertigo. It can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain. Causes of vertigo may include: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)  where certain head movements trigger vertigo migraine labyrinthitis or vestibular neuronitis  an inner ear infection Mnires disease Depending on the condition causing vertigo, you may have other symptoms, such as: a high temperature ringing in your ears ( tinnitus ) hearing loss Treatment for vertigo Most people with vertigo get better without treatment. Treatment will depend on the cause. Medicines, such as prochlorperazine and some antihistamines, can help in most cases of vertigo. Your GP may refer you to an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist or a balance physiotherapist if needed. Things you can do to help your symptoms There may be things you can do yourself to help your symptoms, and reduce how often you have vertigo. Do lie still in a quiet, dark room to reduce the spinning feeling move your head carefully and slowly during daily activities sit down straight away when you feel dizzy turn on the lights if you get up at night use a walking stick if youre at risk of falling sleep with your head slightly raised on 2 or more pillows get up slowly when getting out of bed and sit on the edge of the bed for a minute or so before standing try to relax and avoid stress  anxiety can make vertigo worse Dont do not bend over to pick things up  squat to lower yourself instead do not stretch your neck  for example, while reaching up to a high shelf Safety If you have vertigo, there are some safety issues to consider. For example: you should tell your employer if your job involves operating machinery or climbing ladders you may have a higher chance of falling  read about preventing falls for advice on reducing your risk Driving and vertigo If you drive, you must tell the DVLA about your vertigo. Further information on driving with vertigo on GOV.UK Fear of heights The term vertigo is often incorrectly used to describe a fear of heights. The medical term for a fear of heights and the dizzy feeling associated with looking down from a high place is acrophobia. Further information and advice about phobias Source: ENT Scotland - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 05 March 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Labyrinthitis Tinnitus Other health sites Brain and Spine Foundation: Dizziness and balance problems Action on Hearing Loss: protect your hearing NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852