Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when they are not. It differs from light-headedness and faintness, although people may use the word dizziness for all three. The timing, triggers, duration, hearing symptoms, medicines, and other health conditions help clinicians work out the likely cause.
A common cause: positional vertigo
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) often causes brief spinning episodes triggered by specific head movements, such as rolling over in bed, looking upward, or bending down. It occurs when tiny calcium particles move into a balance canal where they interfere with normal sensing of head position. Symptoms can be intense but are typically brief and position-related.
A trained clinician may use a positional test to reproduce symptoms and observe eye movements. If BPPV is confirmed, a specific repositioning manoeuvre can move the particles out of the affected canal. Not every person with dizziness has BPPV, and neck problems or other medical conditions may affect which manoeuvre is appropriate.
Other causes and the role of assessment
Vertigo can also occur with migraine, inner-ear inflammation, Ménière’s disease, medication effects, and less commonly neurological emergencies. Episodes with fluctuating hearing, tinnitus, or ear fullness need a different assessment from short spins caused only by rolling over. A symptom diary can help describe triggers and duration.
Until the cause is clear, sit or lie down when spinning begins, move slowly, improve lighting at night, and avoid driving, climbing, or operating machinery during symptoms. Do not start repeated exercises from online videos without understanding whether they fit your diagnosis.
Red flags: when not to wait
Seek emergency care for vertigo with new weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, double vision, inability to stand or walk, fainting, or a sudden severe headache. Sudden hearing loss also needs urgent evaluation. These features may indicate a problem beyond a simple inner-ear positional disorder.
Arrange medical review if vertigo persists, returns repeatedly, causes falls, or is accompanied by vomiting or hearing symptoms. Treatment works best when it addresses the identified cause rather than the sensation alone.
Common questions
Does BPPV mean I have a brain problem? BPPV is an inner-ear balance disorder, but clinicians must check the history and examination for other causes when symptoms are atypical.
Can I drive during vertigo? Do not drive while dizzy or unable to turn and balance safely. Follow local driving rules and your clinician’s advice.
Explore our ENT consultation page for more information about this care option. A clinician can advise based on the individual history and examination findings.