Vertigo and sensitivity to light

Vertigo is a spinning or moving sensation rather than ordinary light-headedness. Bright light, screens, glare, or busy visual surroundings may intensify an episode. Migraine can present with dizziness or vertigo even when head pain is mild or absent; this is a presentation of migraine, not proof that every episode is migraine.

Inner-ear conditions can also disturb balance. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo often causes brief spinning after a head-position change, while Meniere's Disease may combine vertigo with hearing changes or ear pressure. An ear infection may add ear pain, discharge, fever, or reduced hearing. Read more about [Vertigo](/symptoms/vertigo/) and [Migraine](/conditions/migraine/).

Sit or lie down in a dim, quiet room when symptoms begin. Move your head slowly, avoid driving or climbing, and have someone nearby if walking feels unsafe. Reduce screen brightness and glare, and sip fluids if you can keep them down. Record triggers, duration, head movement, hearing symptoms, headache, nausea, and any medicines taken.

Arrange a clinical assessment if episodes recur, interfere with daily activities, or have no clear pattern. Treatment depends on the cause; a clinician may assess eye movements, hearing, balance, and positional triggers. An [Epley Manoeuvre](/treatments/minor-procedures/epley-manoeuvre/) is used for selected positional vertigo, not for every type.

Seek emergency help for vertigo with new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, fainting, severe coordination difficulty, a sudden severe headache, chest pain, or new double vision. Prompt assessment is also needed after a significant head injury, or when severe vomiting prevents fluids.

Contact a doctor soon for new or persistent vertigo, repeated falls, new hearing loss, ear discharge, or symptoms that are steadily worsening. Do not use light sensitivity alone to decide what the cause is.

Ask: Could this pattern fit migraine or an inner-ear problem? What examination will distinguish positional vertigo from another cause? Should I have my hearing or vision checked? Which activities should I avoid during an episode, and when is it safe to drive?