Vertigo

Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself. It’s 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
• 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.

  Common 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
  • persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD)

  Less commonly, vertigo can sometimes be caused by conditions that affect certain parts of the brain. This can include:

  • a stroke
  • multiple sclerosis
  • brain tumours

  Depending on the condition causing vertigo, you may have other symptoms, such as:

  • a high temperature
  • ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
  • hearing lpss

  Treatment for vertigo

  Treatment will depend on the cause. Gentle movement is encouraged as soon as you are able to. This will help the balance systems in your body reset.

  Medicines (such as prochlorperazine and some antihistamines) may help in most cases of vertigo. These should only be used for a short amount of time (3-5 days). Long term use may slow the recovery process.

  Many people with vertigo get better without treatment. If you’re still experiencing vertigo or balance problems after 6 weeks, you may be referred to a Vestibular (balance) Physiotherapist or an ENT (Ear, nose & throat) consultant.