When is GP consultation recommended for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, causes brief spinning sensations brought on by changes in head position, such as rolling in bed, looking up or bending down. Nausea and unsteadiness can follow. The episodes may be intense even when they are short, and they can make walking, bathing or climbing stairs risky.

A GP can ask about the exact movement that triggers symptoms and may perform positional checks while watching your eye movements. This helps distinguish BPPV from inner-ear conditions, medication effects, migraine or neurological problems. Read more about [Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo](/conditions/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo/).

Move slowly, sit down as soon as spinning starts, use support on stairs and keep walkways clear. Avoid driving, heights or machinery while attacks are active. Note whether turning to a particular side triggers the episode, how long the spinning lasts, and whether hearing symptoms or headache occur.

Do not attempt a repositioning manoeuvre from an online description if you have neck or back problems, vascular disease, recent surgery, or an uncertain diagnosis. A trained clinician can decide whether a manoeuvre is appropriate. Information about [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help you prepare.

Seek emergency help for dizziness with new weakness or numbness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, double vision, inability to walk, or sudden hearing loss. Seek prompt review for continuous vertigo, repeated vomiting, fever, severe ear pain or a recent head injury.

Ask what movement is triggering the vertigo, whether a repositioning manoeuvre is suitable, how to manage nausea, and when normal driving or exercise can resume. Ask which symptoms would suggest another cause and whether follow-up is needed if balance remains poor.