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Vertigo (BPPV)
Vertigo is a false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning. A common cause is BPPV, where tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of place and are triggered by head movements.
Causes & risk factors
- BPPV — displaced inner-ear crystals
- Inner-ear infection or inflammation
- Meniere’s disease
- Migraine-related vertigo
- Rarely, a problem in the brain or its blood supply
Common symptoms
- Spinning sensation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Symptoms triggered by head movement
- Brief attacks lasting seconds to minutes
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis and positioning tests
- Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre
- MRI brain (if central cause suspected)
Treatment & management
- Repositioning manoeuvres (such as the Epley) for BPPV
- Balance (vestibular) rehabilitation exercises
- Short-term anti-sickness medicine for severe symptoms
- Treating any underlying ear or migraine cause
- Moving carefully and reducing fall risk during attacks
When to see a doctor urgently
- Vertigo with weakness, slurred speech, double vision or a severe headache — call your local emergency number now
- A sudden new hearing loss with vertigo
- Vertigo after a head injury
- Severe or persistent vertigo affecting daily life
Frequently asked questions
Is vertigo dangerous?
Most vertigo comes from the inner ear and is not dangerous, though it is unpleasant and can cause falls. Vertigo with stroke-like signs, such as weakness or slurred speech, needs emergency care.
How is BPPV treated?
A simple series of head and body movements called a repositioning manoeuvre can move the displaced crystals back and often relieves symptoms quickly. A clinician can perform or teach this.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.