What should you know about vertigo what to do?

Vertigo is a movement illusion rather than simply feeling unsteady. It may be triggered by turning the head, standing, visual motion or no obvious movement. Nausea, sweating and difficulty walking can accompany it. The timing and trigger matter: short attacks with a particular head position differ from symptoms that last for hours or come with hearing changes.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere's Disease, Migraine and a Middle Ear Infection are among the possible explanations, but the same symptom can have different causes. A symptom page about Vertigo can help you describe the sensation, not diagnose it.

Sit on the floor or lie on your side if you might fall. Keep pathways clear, use support when standing, and take small sips of water if you can swallow normally. Avoid driving, heights, swimming alone and alcohol until your balance is reliable. Do not make sudden head movements or attempt exercises while alone if they make the spinning worse.

Note the start time, trigger, duration, affected ear if known, and associated symptoms. Arrange medical advice when vertigo is new, recurrent, prolonged or affecting work, sleep or walking. If a positional cause is confirmed, a clinician may recommend an Epley Manoeuvre and explain how to perform it safely.

Get emergency help for sudden trouble speaking, facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, new double vision, inability to walk, fainting, a severe new headache, chest pain or severe confusion. Do not drive yourself.

Seek prompt medical review for new hearing loss, severe ear pain, fever, head injury, repeated vomiting or vertigo that does not settle. A first episode that is intense or persistent deserves assessment even when no warning sign is obvious.

Ask what trigger pattern you have, whether you need an ear or neurological examination, which activities are safe today, and what plan to follow if the spinning returns.