What we assess
- BPPV
- Vestibular neuritis
- Ménière’s disease
- Migraine and other causes
Assessment and care
- Eye-movement and balance examination
- Positional and hearing tests when indicated
- Selected repositioning manoeuvres, medication or rehabilitation
Is vertigo a brain problem?
Not all vertigo comes from the brain. Inner-ear conditions such as BPPV, vestibular neuritis and Ménière’s disease are common, although stroke, migraine and other neurological disorders can also cause vertigo. Clinicians use timing, triggers, hearing symptoms, eye movements, balance and a neurological examination to identify the likely source. New neurological symptoms require emergency assessment.
Possible causes
Inner-ear disorders, vestibular migraine, medicines, blood-pressure problems and neurological disease are considered.
Diagnosis
History, eye-movement and balance examination, positional tests, hearing tests and selected imaging may be used.
Treatment options
Cause-based treatment may include repositioning manoeuvres, vestibular rehabilitation, lifestyle measures or specific medicines.
When it is urgent
Weakness or numbness, slurred speech, double vision, inability to walk or a new severe headache needs emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
Is vertigo the same as general dizziness?+
Vertigo usually means a spinning sensation, while light-headedness or imbalance feels different. A precise description helps diagnosis.
How is BPPV treated?+
When confirmed by positional testing, a specific repositioning manoeuvre is often effective. Correct diagnosis should come before self-treatment.
When is vertigo an emergency?+
Seek emergency care with facial or limb numbness, slurred speech, double vision, inability to walk or a new severe headache.
Learn more
Reputable sources related to the patient-education information on this page.
Ménière’s DiseaseNIH/NIDCD↗