Vertigo

Specialty of Otolaryngology / ENT

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is not actually a condition in itself, but is a symptom. It describes the feeling that everything around you is spinning, or that you are spinning yourself. In most cases vertigo gets better by itself, but if it happens repeatedly or keeps affecting you, it should be investigated.

‘Attacks’ of vertigo can last for just a few seconds, but they can also last longer, even for days or months in extreme cases.

What causes vertigo?

Vertigo is generally caused by problems with the inner ear, as the inner ear affects balance, causing the sensation of vertigo. Although sometimes the specific cause is unknown, some common problems with the inner ear causing vertigo include:

Labyrinthitis (an infection of the inner ear)
Ménière’s disease (a condition affecting the inner ear)
Vestibular neuronitis (inflammation of the inner ear)

Certain head movements, certain medications, and migraines can also cause vertigo.

How is vertigo treated?

Vertigo generally gets better on its own. You can manage vertigo attacks using some of the following measures:

Lying still in a quiet, dark room
Moving slowly while you go about your activities
Trying to relax (stress and anxiety make vertigo worse)
Getting up slowly from a lying position (e.g when waking up)
Sitting down immediately if you’re feeling dizzy
Not bending over when dropping something and picking it up. It’s better to squat and pick objects up this way
Not stretching your neck or making sudden head movements

If your vertigo keeps coming back, you should make an appointment with your doctor, who may refer you to a specialist to try and determine the cause. If the vertigo is caused by an infection, then antibiotics or other medication may be prescribed to clear up the infection. Your doctor may give you exercises to do when you experience vertigo to lessen symptoms.

If vertigo is experienced along with hearing loss, double vision, loss of vision, difficulty when speaking, or limb weakness/numbness, you should visit A&E.

Which specialist treats vertigo?

Generally vertigo clears up on its own, but if you are having repeated attacks, your GP may refer you to an ENT doctor (otolaryngologist).

Articles related to

What causes vertigo?

By Mr Richard Irving
2019-02-19

Our body’s balancing system is complex and involves lots of different parts – so when a patient has symptoms of vertigo it can be difficult to work out what’s going wrong. We interviewed Mr Richard Irving for an overview of the different causes of vertigo and how it can be treated. See more

Turning the tables on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

By Mr Anthony Owa
2019-02-19

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an inner ear problem and one of the most common causes of a sudden, dizzying sensation that feels as though your head is spinning. This sensation is known as vertigo. Expert ENT surgeon Mr Anthony Owa is here to explain this condition and how to treat it. See more

What is vestibular migraine?

By Professor Owen Judd
2019-02-16

Vestibular migraine is a condition in which you may experience repeated episodes of dizziness and vertigo. You may not necessarily experience headaches at the same time of these symptoms, however. Professor Owen Judd, a top ENT surgeon with a special interest in neurotology (disorders of the brain and ear), explains what vestibular migraine is and how it can be treated. See more