What should you know about mild vertigo?

Vertigo differs from feeling generally faint: the room or your body seems to move when it is not. Brief episodes triggered by rolling over or looking up can occur with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Ear pressure, ringing or reduced hearing may point towards an inner-ear problem such as Meniere's Disease or a Middle Ear Infection. Headache, light sensitivity or a history of migraine can also accompany vestibular migraine.

Balance can remain unsettled after the spinning stops. Nausea, unsteady walking and anxiety are common effects, but the symptom pattern matters more than the word mild.

Sit or lie down when an episode starts, move your head slowly and use support when walking. Avoid driving, heights and machinery until your balance feels reliable. Drink normally, rest, and record triggers, duration, hearing changes, headache and medicines. A clinician can examine eye movements, hearing and balance; if positional vertigo is suspected, they may discuss the Epley Manoeuvre rather than having you attempt it without guidance.

Seek emergency help for vertigo with facial drooping, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, severe sudden headache, fainting, chest pain, or inability to walk. Arrange prompt medical assessment for new continuous vertigo, repeated vomiting, a new hearing loss, severe ear pain, fever, or symptoms after a head injury. A recurring but milder pattern still merits a routine appointment.

Could my triggers suggest a positional inner-ear cause? Do my hearing symptoms or headaches change the assessment? Which medicines, exercises or safety precautions are appropriate while my balance is affected? What changes should prompt urgent review?