What should you know about vertigo for months?

Vertigo is a false sensation that you or your surroundings are moving, often spinning. A long-running pattern can reflect an inner-ear balance problem, migraine, medication effect, neck or vision factors, or a less common neurological problem. The timing matters: brief episodes after turning in bed differ from unsteadiness that persists through the day. Nausea, hearing change, ringing in an ear, headache and falls are useful details to record. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo often causes short, position-triggered episodes; Meniere's Disease may combine vertigo with fluctuating hearing symptoms; Migraine can cause dizziness even without a strong headache.

Arrange a primary-care or ear, nose and throat assessment, especially if the symptom is affecting walking, work or driving. Keep a diary of episode length, triggers, hearing changes, headache, medicines and recent infections. Rise slowly, use support on stairs and avoid driving or heights while your balance is unreliable. Do not perform an Epley Manoeuvre unless a clinician has identified positional vertigo and shown that the movement is suitable for you. A clinician may check eye movements, hearing, balance, medicines and blood pressure before deciding whether further tests or vestibular rehabilitation are appropriate.

Seek emergency help for vertigo with new weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, fainting, severe new headache, chest pain, double vision, inability to walk, or sudden hearing loss. Get prompt medical advice for repeated vomiting, a new severe earache, fever, a recent head injury or falls. Months of symptoms without these warning signs still warrant a booked assessment rather than indefinite self-treatment.

Could the timing and triggers fit a balance disorder or migraine? Should my hearing and medicines be reviewed? Is vestibular rehabilitation appropriate? If positional vertigo is suspected, should I be taught an Epley Manoeuvre? Which changes would mean I need urgent review?