Viral vertigo and COVID: what should you know?

Vertigo is a false sensation that you or the room is moving. A viral illness may leave the inner ear or balance nerves irritated, sometimes alongside fatigue, headache, nausea or hearing symptoms. The timing does not prove that the virus caused the vertigo. Brief attacks triggered by turning in bed can fit benign paroxysmal positional vertigo; ear pressure or hearing change may point toward a middle-ear problem or Meniere's disease, while headache and light sensitivity can accompany migraine.

Sit or lie down when spinning starts, rise slowly, keep walkways clear and avoid driving, heights or machinery while balance is unreliable. Sip fluids if nausea allows and rest between gentle movements. Keep a note of triggers, duration, hearing changes, headache and recent infection. Do not perform an Epley manoeuvre unless a clinician has identified positional vertigo and shown that it is suitable.

Seek urgent care for vertigo with new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, fainting, severe headache, chest pain, inability to walk, repeated vomiting or sudden hearing loss. Arrange a GP assessment when symptoms persist, recur, follow an infection closely or interfere with daily activities, even if no emergency sign is present.

Ask what pattern your symptoms follow, whether your ears and neurological function need checking, which medicines are safe for you, and whether a manoeuvre or referral is appropriate. Mention the infection timeline, medicines, hearing changes and any fall.