Introduction

Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself. It's the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning.

This feeling may be barely noticeable, or it may be so severe thatyou find it difficult to keep your balance and do everyday tasks.

Attacks of vertigo can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds, or they may last much longer. If you have severe vertigo, your symptoms may be constant and last for several days, making normal life very difficult.

Other symptoms associated with vertigo may include:

• loss of balance which can make it difficult to stand or walk
• feeling sick or being sick
• Lightheadedness

Seeking medical help

You should see you GP if you have persistent signs of vertigo or it keeps coming back.

Your GP will ask about your symptoms and can carry out a simple examination to help determinesome types ofvertigo. They may also refer you for further tests.

However, some people have repeated episodes for many months, or even years, such as those with Mnire's disease.

There are specific treatments for some causes of vertigo. A series of simple head movements (known as theEpley manoeuvre) is used to treat BPPV.

Medicines, such as prochlorperazine and some antihistamines ,can help in the early stages or most cases of vertigo.

Many people with vertigo also benefit from vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT), whichis aseries of exercises for people with dizziness and balance problems.

Your GP or the specialist treating you may advise youto:

• do simple exercises to correct your symptoms
• sleep with your head slightly raised on two or more pillows
• get up slowly when getting out of bed and sit on the edge of the bed for a minute or so before standing
• avoid bending down to pick up items
• avoid extending your neck for example, while reaching up to a high shelf
• move your head carefully and slowly during daily activities
• do exercises that trigger your vertigo, so your brain gets used to it and reduces the symptoms (do these only after making sure you won't fall, and have support if needed)

Fear of heights

The term vertigo is often incorrectly used to describe a fear of heights. The medical term for a fear of heights and the dizzy feeling associated with looking down from a high place is "acrophobia".

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