Vertigo

A sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, often caused by an inner ear problem.

BalanceEarsLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Spinning dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, vomiting and sometimes hearing changes or ringing in the ears.

Common Treatments

Repositioning exercises for BPPV, medicines for short-term relief, and treating the cause.

Risk Factors

Older age, head injury, inner ear infections, migraine and Meniere's disease.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), when tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of place and cause brief spinning with head movements.

Vertigo with weakness, slurred speech or double vision may be a stroke and needs emergency care.

Symptoms

Spinning sensation

Often triggered by head movements.

Nausea and vomiting

With the spinning.

Unsteadiness

Difficulty walking straight.

Hearing symptoms

Ringing or hearing loss with some causes.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

Problems in the inner ear balance system (BPPV, inflammation, Meniere's) or, less often, the brain.

Key Risk Factors

  • Age BPPV is more common in older adults.
  • Head injury Can dislodge ear crystals.
  • Infections Viral inner ear infections.

Management & Treatment

01. Repositioning manoeuvres

Such as the Epley manoeuvre for BPPV.

02. Medicines

Betahistine, cinnarizine or prochlorperazine for short-term relief.

03. Balance exercises

Vestibular rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vertigo serious?
Usually not, but sudden vertigo with stroke signs is an emergency.
How long does BPPV last?
Often settles with repositioning or on its own.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.