What should you know about central vertigo?

Balance depends on signals from the inner ear, eyes, muscles and brain. Central vertigo arises when the brain pathways that process these signals are affected. Nausea, unsteadiness, double vision, numbness or trouble coordinating movement may accompany it.

Vertigo can also come from the inner ear, including Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Meniere's Disease or Middle Ear Infection. Migraine may cause vertigo with or without a prominent headache. The trigger, duration, hearing symptoms and examination help distinguish these possibilities.

Sit or lie down when spinning begins, move slowly and avoid driving, heights or machinery until the cause is clear. Keep pathways free of hazards and ask someone to stay nearby if walking is difficult. Arrange assessment rather than trying the Epley Manoeuvre without guidance, because it is intended for a particular inner-ear pattern.

Call emergency services for sudden vertigo with facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, new severe headache, fainting, chest pain, double vision or inability to walk. Seek prompt care for new persistent vertigo, repeated vomiting, new hearing loss or symptoms after a head injury.

Does my pattern suggest a brain or inner-ear cause? Do I need a neurological or hearing examination? Is any movement treatment suitable for my specific findings?