Vertigo Explained: What It Is and How to Get Relief

Ever felt the room spin while you’re standing still? That’s vertigo – a sudden sense that you or your surroundings are moving. It’s more than just feeling light‑headed; the feeling can be intense enough to make you sit down, grab a wall, or even vomit.

Why Does Vertigo Happen?

Most vertigo comes from the inner ear. Tiny canals filled with fluid help tell your brain which way is up. When that fluid moves the wrong way, or a tiny stone shifts, the brain gets mixed signals and you feel the world tilt.

Common triggers include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – a few calcium crystals slip into the ear’s balance canals.
• Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis – inflammation from a virus that messes with inner‑ear nerves.
• Meniere’s disease – fluid buildup that comes in waves, causing vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing.
• Head injury, migraine, or certain medications.

Spotting the Signs and Knowing When to Seek Help

If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional:

• Vertigo lasting more than a few minutes or keeps coming back.
• Loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, or ear fullness.
• Severe nausea or vomiting that won’t stop.
• Difficulty walking, speaking, or seeing clearly.

Doctors can run simple balance tests, a hearing exam, or imaging if they suspect something more serious.

For many people, the first step at home is the Epley maneuver – a series of head positions that guide misplaced crystals back to where they belong. You can find step‑by‑step videos online, but be gentle and stop if you feel worse.

Beyond the maneuver, a few everyday tricks can keep the spins at bay:

• Stay hydrated – dehydration can worsen dizziness.
• Rise slowly from lying or sitting; give your body time to adjust.
• Avoid sudden head movements, especially when you’re tired.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can affect inner‑ear fluid balance.

If your vertigo is linked to medication, ask your doctor about alternatives or dosage changes. Some blood pressure pills, sedatives, or antibiotics list dizziness as a side effect.

When vertigo is caused by infection or inflammation, a short course of steroids or antihistamines may speed up recovery. For chronic conditions like Meniere’s, doctors might recommend a low‑salt diet, diuretics, or even a minor procedure to drain excess fluid.

Physical therapy that focuses on balance – called vestibular rehabilitation – can also make a big difference. Therapists guide you through exercises that teach your brain to rely on other senses (like vision) when the inner ear sends confusing signals.

Bottom line: vertigo is uncomfortable, but you have tools to manage it. Identify the trigger, try a simple repositioning maneuver, stay hydrated, and get a professional opinion if the spins linger or come with other symptoms. With the right steps, you can keep the world steady and get back to daily life faster.