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Vertigo (Spinning Dizziness)
Vertigo is a false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. It often comes from a problem in the inner ear, which controls balance.
Causes & risk factors
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) from displaced inner-ear crystals
- Inner-ear infection or inflammation (labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis)
- Meniere’s disease
- Migraine
- Certain medicines
- Rarely, problems in the brain
Common symptoms
- Spinning or whirling sensation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Ringing in the ears
- Feeling unsteady on standing
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
Tests & diagnosis
- Balance and eye-movement tests
- Dix-Hallpike positional test
- Hearing test (audiometry)
- Blood pressure check
- MRI in selected cases
Treatment & management
- Repositioning manoeuvres (such as Epley) for BPPV
- Medicines to ease nausea and dizziness for short periods
- Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
- Treating the underlying cause such as infection or migraine
- Staying safe to avoid falls during attacks
When to see a doctor urgently
- Vertigo with severe headache, weakness or slurred speech
- Double vision, difficulty walking or numbness
- Sudden hearing loss with the vertigo
- Repeated falls or vomiting you cannot control
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about vertigo (spinning dizziness). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is vertigo the same as feeling faint?
No. Vertigo is a spinning sensation, usually from the inner ear. Feeling faint or light-headed is different and may relate to blood pressure or the heart.
How long does an attack last?
It varies. BPPV attacks last seconds to minutes, while inner-ear inflammation can cause dizziness for days. A doctor can identify the type.
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.