If you've felt like the room is spinning around you, you may have experienced vertigo—a symptom that can last for a few seconds to a few days. It can be disorienting and lead to balance issues, unsteadiness and falling.
"Vertigo is not a condition but rather a symptom caused by an underlying condition," says Brian Yung, M.D., internal medicine specialist with HMH Primary Care Jersey Shore Medical Associates. "If vertigo is partnered with other symptoms like vision, hearing or speech changes, it is important to see a doctor right away."
What Causes Vertigo?
"Vertigo can be caused either by a problem with the inner ear or a problem in the brain," Dr. Yung says.
Common causes of vertigo include:
- Dehydration
- Inner ear infection
- Migraine
- Infection
- Head trauma
- Stroke
- Brain tumor
- Ménière's disease, a disorder of the inner ear
- Certain medications
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where head movements trigger vertigo
- Vestibular neuronitis, inflammation of the vestibular nerve
"By identifying and treating the underlying condition, you can treat the symptom of vertigo and relieve that discomfort," Dr. Yung says.
Common Vertigo Triggers
Dr. Yung emphasizes that while vertigo is a symptom of an underlying condition, attacks can be brought on by certain behaviors and activities.
Seven common triggers for vertigo include:
- Turning over in bed
- Bending your head forward or backward
- Standing up quickly
- Certain foods and ingredients, such as salt and MSG
- Alcohol or caffeine
- Stress and anxiety
- Lack of sleep
Because triggers for vertigo can vary from person to person, Dr. Yung recommends keeping a journal of vertigo attacks. Include when the attack came on, how long it lasted and what triggered it. "This information will help your doctor diagnose your condition and formulate a plan to help prevent the vertigo from happening again," says Dr. Yung.
How to Treat Vertigo
If you're experiencing recurring or severe vertigo, talk to your doctor. They may refer you to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist), who will perform hearing and balance tests.
Depending on your specific case, your doctor may recommend one or a combination of treatment options, such as:
Medication: Your doctor might prescribe medication to treat the underlying condition causing your vertigo, as well as anti-nausea or motion sickness medication to relieve your symptoms.
Repositioning procedure: If you have BPPV, your doctor may recommend a procedure that involves a series of simple head movements to reposition particles in the ear so they don’t cause dizziness.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: This rehabilitation therapy uses exercises to manage dizziness and balance issues.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our source: Brian Yung, M.D.
- Make an appointment online with a specialist near you, or call 800-822-8909.
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