Vertigo: What It Feels Like and What You Can Do Now
Vertigo is that spinning feeling that makes the room move even when you’re standing still. It’s common, and most causes aren’t life-threatening, but it can be scary and throw off your balance. This page gives clear, practical steps you can try at home, plus signs that mean you need a doctor fast.
If your world tilts when you turn your head, or you feel swoony after getting up, think inner ear issues first. Vertigo often comes from the balance organs in the ear or from certain migraine types. Less often, it’s from a nerve problem or, rarely, the brain.
Quick at-home relief and safety tips
Try the Epley maneuver if movements trigger your vertigo and you suspect benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It’s a simple set of head movements that often stops the spinning within minutes. If you’re unsure how to do it, ask a clinician to show you or look for a trusted video from a clinic.
Lie still and close your eyes during an attack—moving can make symptoms worse. Sit down or lie down right away to avoid falls. Keep your home well-lit at night, remove tripping hazards, and use a cane or handrail if needed until you feel steady.
Over-the-counter motion-sickness meds like meclizine can ease nausea and dizziness for short periods, but don’t rely on them long-term without talking to your doctor. Avoid alcohol, heavy meals, and sudden head turns while you’re symptomatic.
When to see a doctor and what to expect
Call emergency services or go to the ER if vertigo comes with double vision, slurred speech, weakness on one side, severe headache, or trouble walking. Those signs can point to a stroke or other urgent problem.
For less urgent cases, book an appointment with your primary care doctor, an ENT (ear-nose-throat) specialist, or a neurologist. They may perform the Dix-Hallpike test, hearing exams, balance testing, or order an MRI if a central cause is suspected.
Treatment depends on the cause. BPPV often responds to repositioning maneuvers like Epley. Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis may need short-term anti-nausea meds and vestibular rehab exercises. Meniere’s disease is managed with diet changes (low salt), diuretics in some cases, and specialist care. Migrainous vertigo is handled through migraine prevention strategies and lifestyle changes.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a physical therapy program that retrains your balance system and often helps when dizziness lasts weeks to months. Ask your clinician if VRT could help you.
If vertigo is affecting daily life, keep a short diary: note what triggers it, how long attacks last, and any hearing changes. That info speeds up diagnosis and leads to better treatment choices. If you need more guidance, talk to a healthcare provider—getting steady again is usually possible with the right steps.
