vertigo risk reduction

Overview

Vertigo is a feeling that you or the world around you is spinning. It is a type of dizziness, not a disease itself. It often comes from a problem in your inner ear, which controls balance.

Yes. Vertigo is very common. About 20 to 30 percent of people experience dizziness at some point in their lives.

Vertigo can affect people of any age, but it is more common in older adults, women, and people who have migraines or a past head injury.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A feeling that you or everything around you is spinning
• Loss of balance or unsteadiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Ringing in the ears or hearing changes
• Trouble focusing your eyes

Symptoms in children

• Same spinning sensation as adults
• Complaints of feeling dizzy
• Rarely, paleness and sweating with dizziness

Symptoms in older adults

• Greater unsteadiness and higher risk of falls
• Feeling lightheaded when standing
• Sometimes anxiety about balance

Causes

Main causes

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear move out of place
• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, which are inner ear swelling from infection
• Meniere's disease, a build-up of fluid in the inner ear
• Head injury
• Migraine-associated dizziness

Risk factors

• Age older than 50
• Being female
• Having migraines
• Past head injury
• Stress or anxiety
• Some medications can make dizziness worse (ask your doctor)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden severe dizziness with any emergency symptoms listed above
• Vertigo after a head injury
• Inability to eat or drink because of vomiting
• Fever and stiff neck together

Book a routine appointment if:

• Recurrent vertigo that interferes with daily life
• You think a medication may be causing your dizziness
• You have ongoing hearing changes or ringing in the ears

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, check your ears, and watch your eye and balance responses. Diagnosis is mostly based on your history and simple tests.

Tests that may be done

• Dix-Hallpike test to bring on vertigo in a controlled way
• Videonystagmography (VNG) to measure eye movements
• Hearing tests
• MRI or CT scan in certain cases

What to expect at your appointment

Some tests may make you feel dizzy for a short time. Tell your doctor if you feel uncomfortable. Most tests are done in clinic and results are usually available soon after.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Often it includes head repositioning maneuvers, balance therapy, or medicines to calm nausea. Many people improve within weeks.

Self-care at home

• Move slowly when changing position, especially getting out of bed
• Sit down right away when you feel dizzy
• Use good lighting, especially at night
• Avoid activities like climbing ladders or other fall risks
• Stay hydrated and get enough rest

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend a specific head and body maneuver (such as the Epley maneuver) to reposition inner ear crystals, balance exercises with a therapist, or medicines to reduce nausea and dizziness. Never start or stop any medication without talking to your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for vertigo. It may be considered for severe inner ear conditions like Meniere's disease when other treatments have not helped.

Living with this condition

Between episodes, most people live normally. Learn what triggers your vertigo and avoid those triggers. Keeping a symptom diary can help you and your doctor.

Lifestyle tips

• Get up slowly from sitting or lying down
• Limit caffeine and alcohol if they make you feel worse
• Do balance exercises as guided by your doctor or therapist
• Practice relaxation methods to manage stress

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with less salt may help if you have Meniere's disease. Regular exercise like walking can improve balance and confidence, but check with your doctor before starting a new routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Vertigo can feel scary and may cause worry about falling. You may feel anxious or frustrated. Talk to your doctor if you feel low, anxious, or find yourself avoiding activities.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent vertigo, but you can reduce your risk of injury by making your home safer, avoiding sudden movements, and managing underlying health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Complications

If left untreated

• Falls, fractures, or other injuries from loss of balance
• Injury from driving during a vertigo episode (never drive while feeling dizzy)
• Fear of activity that leads to weakness and isolation
• Worsening of an underlying ear or balance condition

Long-term outlook

For most people, vertigo improves with treatment or on its own. Many inner ear conditions can be well managed. With the right care plan and safety steps, you can stay active and keep your balance.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.