What should you know about side effects of vertigo?

Vertigo is a false sense that you or the surroundings are moving. Episodes may be triggered by turning the head, standing or moving through busy visual environments. Nausea, vomiting, sweating, unsteadiness and trouble concentrating can follow. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo often produces brief movement-triggered spells; Meniere's Disease may occur with hearing symptoms; migraine can cause dizziness with or without headache. A middle-ear infection may also disturb balance. The effect on driving, stairs and work can be greater than the spinning sensation itself.

Sit or lie down when an episode starts, move slowly and use support on stairs. Remove loose rugs and keep pathways clear. Do not drive, climb or use machinery while dizzy. Note what triggered each spell, how long it lasted, hearing changes, headache and vomiting. A clinician can examine your balance and ears and decide whether treatment such as the Epley Manoeuvre is appropriate for a specific cause.

Seek emergency help for vertigo with new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, fainting, severe headache, chest pain, double vision or inability to walk. Get prompt assessment for new hearing loss, persistent vomiting, fever, severe ear pain or vertigo that does not settle. These features need assessment because causes range from inner-ear problems to conditions requiring urgent treatment.

Ask what pattern your episodes suggest, whether your medicines or ears could contribute, which activities are unsafe for now, and whether repositioning exercises or vestibular rehabilitation may help.