Vertigo and BPPV: Causes, Treatment and Warning Signs
Understand the difference between spinning vertigo and general dizziness, how positional vertigo is assessed, and which symptoms are urgent.
Read MoreHow vertigo and balance problems are assessed
The clinician asks how attacks begin, how long they last, whether head movement triggers them and whether hearing change, tinnitus, headache or neurological symptoms occur. A focused examination may be followed by balance or hearing tests depending on the pattern.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include specific repositioning manoeuvres, rehabilitation, medication for selected situations or referral for further assessment. A general label of “vertigo” is not enough to choose the right treatment.
What details are useful
- Whether the sensation is spinning, faintness or unsteadiness
- Duration and frequency of episodes and possible triggers
- Associated hearing loss, tinnitus, headache or nausea
- New medicines, falls or relevant medical history
Know the warning signs
Sudden severe dizziness with weakness, facial droop, difficulty speaking, new double vision, severe headache or inability to walk requires emergency evaluation.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
