First aid for vertigo

Vertigo is a false sensation that you or the room is moving, often spinning. It can begin with head movement and may come with nausea, unsteadiness, ringing in the ear, or hearing changes. Causes include inner-ear problems such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Meniere's Disease, or Middle Ear Infection; migraine can also cause dizziness or vertigo.

Sit down immediately or lie on your side in a quiet, dim room. Keep your head still, focus on one fixed object if that feels helpful, and rise slowly only when the spinning settles. Move obstacles away, use support when walking, and have someone stay nearby. Sip water if you are fully alert and not vomiting. Avoid driving, ladders, alcohol, and sudden head turns. Do not perform an Epley Manoeuvre unless a clinician has identified a positional cause and shown you how to do it safely.

Call emergency services for vertigo with facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, a new severe headache, chest pain, fainting, or inability to walk. Seek prompt assessment for new hearing loss, persistent vomiting, fever, severe ear pain, or an episode that does not settle. Recurrent episodes also deserve a review so the cause and suitable treatment can be identified.

Ask whether your pattern fits Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, a migraine-related episode, or an ear condition, and whether exercises or medicine are appropriate.