Reasons for vertigo

The inner ear and brain work together to control balance. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo often causes brief spinning when the head changes position. Meniere's disease may combine vertigo with hearing changes, ear pressure, or ringing. A middle-ear infection can disturb balance, while migraine can cause vertigo with or without a headache.

Tell a clinician whether the room spins, how long an episode lasts, what triggers it, and whether hearing loss, headache, nausea, weakness, or vision changes occur. These details help separate an ear-related cause from other problems.

Sit or lie still, move your head slowly, and use support when standing. Keep walkways clear and avoid driving, heights, and machinery while symptoms continue. Drink fluids if you can. A clinician may recommend specific exercises or an Epley manoeuvre when positional vertigo is suspected; do not perform manoeuvres without guidance if you have neck or back problems.

Call emergency services for vertigo with sudden weakness or numbness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, or new difficulty walking. Seek prompt assessment for new hearing loss, persistent vomiting, fever with severe headache or neck stiffness, or vertigo that is continuous or repeatedly returning.

Ask whether your pattern fits an inner-ear disorder or migraine, whether hearing and balance tests are needed, and which exercises, medicines, or safety precautions are appropriate.