Vertigo

Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning when they are not. It may occur with nausea, imbalance or hearing symptoms. Inner-ear problems are one possible cause, but neurological conditions can also cause vertigo. New severe symptoms require careful assessment rather than automatic treatment as an ear problem.

Is vertigo the same as feeling faint?

No. Feeling faint or light-headed is different from a spinning sensation, although people may use the word dizzy for both. Describe the experience in your own words, including whether it follows a head movement, lasts briefly or continues at rest.

Tell the clinician about hearing changes, ringing in the ears, headache, recent illness and difficulty walking. Mention any weakness, double vision or speech change immediately. A history of previous episodes is useful but does not guarantee that a new episode has the same cause.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Vertigo - symptoms, causes and treatments - Healthdirect Australia.

How is the cause assessed?

A doctor may examine eye movements, balance, hearing and nerve function. Some positional tests and treatments require a clinician to establish the likely diagnosis first. Do not copy an online manoeuvre if the cause is uncertain, symptoms are severe or you have relevant neck or other health problems.

Avoid driving, ladders and other risky activities while the sensation affects balance. Ask about a safe plan for moving around and getting to an appointment. Telehealth can gather the history, but an in-person examination is often important for a first, persistent or unusual episode.

When should I call 000?

Vertigo with new weakness, facial droop, difficulty speaking, double vision, severe headache, confusion or inability to walk safely can indicate an emergency. Call 000 rather than waiting for a routine consultation. Persistent vomiting or sudden hearing loss also needs prompt assessment. The priority is identifying the cause before assuming it is a harmless recurrence.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.