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 and can lead to balance issues, unsteadiness and falling. 

"Vertigo is not a condition but rather a symptom caused by an underlying condition," says internal medicine specialist, Brian Yung, M.D. "If vertigo is partnered with other symptoms like vision, hearing changes 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.

These causes can 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.

Here are 7 common triggers for vertigo:

1. Turning over in bed
2. Bending your head forward or backward
3. Standing up quickly
4. Certain foods and ingredients such as salt and MSG
5. Alcohol or caffeine
6. Stress and anxiety
7. Lack of sleep

Triggers for vertigo can vary from person to person, so Dr. Yung recommends keeping a personal tracker of vertigo attacks—noting when the attack came on, how long it lasted and what triggered it. "This information will help your doctor not only diagnose your condition but also formulate a plan to help prevent the vertigo from happening," 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 comprehensive hearing and balance tests. 

Depending on your specific case, your doctor may recommend:

Medication: In addition to medication to treat the underlying condition responsible for the vertigo, your doctor might prescribe anti-nausea or motion sickness medication to relieve your symptoms. 

Repositioning procedure: If you have BPPV, your doctor may recommend a canalith repositioning procedure that uses a series of simple head movements to move the canalith particles in the ear to another part of the ear, where they will not cause dizziness.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: This rehabilitation therapy uses exercises to help you manage dizziness and balance issues.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Brian Yung, M.D.
• To make an appointment with a specialist near you, call 800-822-8909 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.