What should you know about vertigo when closing eyes?

Balance depends on signals from the inner ears, eyes and body sensors in the feet and joints. When the eyes are open, vision can partly compensate for confusing inner-ear or body signals. Closing the eyes removes that reference, so spinning, rocking or swaying may become more noticeable. This pattern does not identify one diagnosis by itself.

A positional inner-ear problem such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo may be triggered by turning the head. Meniere's Disease can affect balance alongside ear symptoms, while Migraine can alter visual and balance processing. A Middle Ear Infection can also disturb balance when inflammation affects the ear.

If closing your eyes makes you unsteady, sit or lie down before testing your balance. Use lights, handrails and a clear path at home; do not stand on one leg or walk in darkness to check the symptom. Rise slowly, avoid driving and ask for help with stairs or bathing while episodes continue.

Write down whether the sensation starts with head movement, occurs only in darkness, or comes with nausea, headache, ringing, hearing change, weakness or numbness. Arrange a review if this is new, recurrent or affecting walking. An Epley Manoeuvre is appropriate only after positional vertigo has been assessed.

Seek emergency care for new weakness or numbness, facial drooping, speech trouble, double vision, sudden vision loss, severe unsteadiness, fainting, confusion or a severe new headache with vertigo.

Arrange prompt care for new hearing loss, severe ear pain, fever, vomiting that prevents fluids, or symptoms after a fall. If you cannot walk safely even with your eyes open, do not travel alone.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest an inner-ear, migraine, eye or neurological problem, whether balance and hearing tests are needed, and how to make your home safer during episodes.