Dizziness & Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common reasons people visit a doctor. Vertigo — the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning — is most often caused by inner ear problems. Most causes respond well to targeted treatment once properly diagnosed.
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This page provides general health information only. If dizziness is sudden and severe or accompanied by chest pain, facial drooping, or weakness, call 112 immediately.
Common causes
Dizziness is a broad term covering several distinct sensations — lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or the spinning sensation of true vertigo. Identifying the type of dizziness is the key to finding the cause and the right treatment.
Inner ear causes (most common)
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) — brief spinning episodes triggered by head movement, caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear
- Vestibular neuritis — inflammation of the vestibular nerve causing prolonged vertigo, often following a viral illness
- Ménière's disease — recurrent episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss
- Labyrinthitis — inner ear infection causing vertigo and sometimes hearing loss
Other causes
- Low blood pressure on standing (orthostatic hypotension) — common in older adults and those on certain medications
- Anaemia, dehydration, or low blood sugar
- Anxiety and panic disorder — can produce prominent dizziness
- Neurological causes — less common but important to exclude
Sudden severe vertigo with double vision, difficulty speaking, facial drooping, or arm weakness may indicate a stroke or TIA. Call 112 immediately.
Symptoms
- Spinning sensation — either you or your surroundings feel like they are rotating
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness when standing or walking
- Nausea and vomiting during episodes
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Symptoms triggered or worsened by head movement
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing changes in some conditions
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if dizziness is recurrent, prolonged, severe, or affecting your ability to function safely. Any dizziness accompanied by hearing loss, tinnitus, neurological symptoms, or falls should be promptly assessed.
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Treatment options
- Epley manoeuvre — a simple repositioning procedure that resolves BPPV in most cases immediately
- Vestibular rehabilitation exercises — for ongoing balance problems after vestibular neuritis
- Anti-nausea and anti-vertigo medication — for acute episodes
- Betahistine — used to reduce frequency of attacks in Ménière's disease
- Treatment of underlying cause — addressing anaemia, blood pressure, medication side effects
How eMedClinic can help
Our doctors provide thorough assessment of dizziness and vertigo, identify the most likely cause, and recommend targeted treatment. We can teach the Epley manoeuvre, prescribe medication, and refer for vestibular rehabilitation or specialist assessment where needed.
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