What is the most common cause of vertigo?

The balance organs in the inner ear sense head movement. In benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, small calcium particles enter a sensitive canal and send an inaccurate movement signal when you turn over, look up, or sit up. Episodes are often brief but can recur, and nausea or unsteadiness may follow. Meniere's disease can cause vertigo with hearing changes or ear pressure. Migraine can produce dizziness with or without a headache. An inner-ear infection is another possibility. Vertigo is a symptom, so its pattern helps guide the diagnosis.

Move slowly, sit down when spinning begins, and keep walkways clear. Avoid driving, heights, and swimming until your balance is reliable. A clinician can check eye movements, hearing, balance, and the triggers. If benign positional vertigo is confirmed, an Epley manoeuvre may move the particles back into a less sensitive position. It should be demonstrated or adapted by a trained professional when neck or back problems make positioning difficult.

Seek emergency help for vertigo with facial weakness, trouble speaking, one-sided numbness or weakness, a new severe headache, fainting, chest pain, or inability to walk. Get prompt medical advice for new hearing loss, persistent vomiting, severe headache, fever, or vertigo that does not settle. Do not assume every spinning sensation is an inner-ear problem.

Ask whether your triggers fit positional vertigo, whether your ears and hearing need testing, and whether an Epley manoeuvre is suitable. Describe how long each spell lasts, what movement brings it on, and whether hearing or neurological symptoms occur.