Vertigo is a sensation of motion or spinning that is often described as dizziness.
Vertigo is not the same as being lightheaded. People with vertigo feel as though they are actually spinning or moving, or that the world is spinning around them.
Types of Vertigo
There are two main types of vertigo: peripheral and central.
Peripheral vertigo is the most common type. It happens when there’s an issue with your inner ear or vestibular nerve. (Both help with your sense of balance.)
Subtypes of peripheral vertigo include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
- Labyrinthitis.
- Vestibular neuritis.
- Ménière’s disease.
Central vertigo is less common. It occurs when you have a condition affecting your brain, like an infection, stroke or traumatic brain injury. People with central vertigo usually have more severe symptoms like severe instability or difficulty walking.
How is vertigo diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. It’s helpful if you can tell your doctor about any specific movements or activities that bring on your vertigo.
They will also ask about any other medical problems you have, and any medicines you take.
Your doctor will do a physical examination. They might check your hearing and balance.
Your doctor may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to rule out a serious cause of your symptoms.
How is vertigo treated?
Your treatment will depend on the cause of your symptoms.
Sometimes vertigo will get better on its own. You can try these self-care tips.
- Lie down in a dark, quiet room during an attack.
- Sit down as soon as you feel dizzy.
- Try to avoid triggers — such as certain head positions or getting out of bed too quickly.
Your doctor might suggest taking a medicine for a short time. This might help manage nausea and vomiting.
If your vertigo is due to BPPV, you might have a treatment called canalith repositioning (also known as Epley manoeuvre). This involves your doctor or a specialist physiotherapist using special movements to shift the crystals in your inner ear back into the correct position.
You might also see a specialist physiotherapist for exercises to treat your vertigo.
In rare cases, surgery may be needed.
