Sea bands for vertigo: what to know

A sea band is a stretchable wristband with a stud that presses the inner wrist. It contains no medicine. Its intended effect is acupressure, so it may be more relevant to queasiness than to the spinning, tilting, or unsteady feeling of [Vertigo](/symptoms/vertigo/).

Vertigo can arise from different problems. Brief episodes triggered by turning in bed may occur with [Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo](/conditions/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo/); hearing changes or ringing may need assessment for [Meniere's Disease](/conditions/menieres-disease/). A band cannot distinguish between these causes.

Position the stud on the inner wrist according to the package instructions. It should not cause pain, numbness, colour change, or tingling. Sit or lie down when symptoms start, keep your head still, and avoid driving or climbing until your balance returns.

If a clinician has identified positional vertigo, ask whether a specific treatment such as the [Epley Manoeuvre](/treatments/minor-procedures/epley-manoeuvre/) is appropriate. Treating the cause is different from easing nausea.

Get urgent help for vertigo with weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, double vision, a new severe headache, fainting, chest pain, or inability to walk safely. Seek prompt medical advice for new hearing loss, severe vomiting, fever, or symptoms after a head injury.

A painful ear, discharge, or fever can occur with a [Middle Ear Infection](/conditions/middle-ear-infection/), while recurrent attacks may need assessment for [Migraine](/conditions/migraine/).

Ask what may be causing the vertigo, whether a sea band is reasonable for your nausea, which movements or medicines to avoid, and which symptoms require emergency care.