Vertigo and dizziness
When the room seems to spin

Vertigo is a false feeling that you or the room are spinning or moving. It is usually caused by a problem in the inner ear, which controls balance, and less often by the brain. The commonest cause, BPPV, is brief vertigo on turning the head and can often be treated in the clinic with simple head movements.

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About vertigo

What causes vertigo?

The inner ear contains tiny canals and crystals that sense head movement. When these send wrong signals, the brain feels spinning. Common inner-ear causes are BPPV (loose crystals), vestibular neuritis (a viral inflammation of the balance nerve) and Ménière’s disease. Brain causes, such as a stroke, are less common but serious.

  • BPPV: seconds of spinning on turning in bed or looking up
  • Vestibular neuritis: days of severe vertigo, often after a cold
  • Ménière’s disease: vertigo with ringing and hearing loss
  • Migraine can also cause vertigo
  • A stroke must be ruled out in some people

Examine

Eye movements and balance.

Reposition

Manoeuvres for BPPV.

Treat

Short-term medicines.

Rehabilitate

Balance exercises.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of vertigo

Note how long each episode lasts and what sets it off.

Spinning

You or the room seem to spin.

Unsteadiness

Swaying or difficulty walking straight.

Nausea or vomiting

Often with severe episodes.

Jerky eye movements

Seen by the doctor during an episode.

Ringing in the ear

Tinnitus, as in Ménière’s disease.

Hearing changes

Muffled hearing or ear fullness.

Sweating

Cold sweats with the spinning.

Triggered by movement

Turning in bed or looking up.

Go to emergency if: vertigo comes with double vision, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, difficulty walking, a severe headache, or chest pain — these can be signs of a stroke. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How vertigo is assessed

A careful history and examination find the cause in most people.

History

How long episodes last and what triggers them.

Examination

Eye movements, balance and hearing.

Positional test

The Dix-Hallpike test for BPPV.

Hearing tests

Audiometry if hearing is affected.

Scans

MRI or CT if a brain cause is suspected.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause.

Repositioning manoeuvres

A doctor moves your head through set positions (such as the Epley manoeuvre) to move loose crystals back into place. Many people improve after one or two sessions.

Done in the clinic in minutesHome exercises if advisedCan recur; repeat if needed

After the manoeuvre

  • Mild dizziness for a day is common
  • Avoid sudden head movements briefly

Good to know

  • Medicines do not move the crystals
  • Long-term use of vertigo tablets slows recovery
Everyday life

Living with vertigo

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Prevent falls

Get up slowly, use night lights and hold rails on stairs.

Driving and heights

Do not drive or work at heights during episodes.

Balance exercises

Regular exercises as taught can speed recovery.

Contact us urgently if

  • Slurred speech or facial droop
  • Weakness or numbness
  • Double vision
  • Sudden severe headache
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about vertigo

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Vertigo is a fear of heights.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Fear of heights is acrophobia. Vertigo is a spinning sensation from a balance problem.

Myth

“Vertigo tablets should be taken long term.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Long-term use can slow the brain’s natural adjustment. Use them only as advised.

Myth

“All dizziness is low BP.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Dizziness has many causes. Spinning vertigo usually comes from the inner ear.

Your care team

ENT surgeon and neurologist

Dr. Zeeshan Ahmad, ENT Surgeon, Charak Hospital Lucknow
ENT Surgeon

Dr. Zeeshan Ahmad

MBBS, MS (ENT), DNB (Otorhinolaryngology)

Ear, nose, sinus and throat problems, endoscopic sinus surgery, ear surgery and voice problems. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

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Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Notes on when attacks happen
  • Any hearing test or MRI reports
  • List of current medicines

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How long does BPPV last?

Each episode lasts under a minute, but episodes can recur for weeks unless treated with repositioning.

Is vertigo a sign of stroke?

Usually not, but vertigo with weakness, speech or vision problems needs emergency care.

Can vertigo be cured?

BPPV often settles with repositioning. Other causes can usually be controlled.

Which doctor should I see?

An ENT surgeon for most vertigo; a neurologist if a brain cause is suspected.

Glossary

Words you may hear

BPPVBenign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
Vestibular systemThe balance organs of the inner ear.
Epley manoeuvreA head-positioning treatment for BPPV.
NystagmusJerky eye movements seen in vertigo.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

ENT Neurosciences Stroke Migraine and headache Health library

Room spinning when you turn your head?

Get it checked. See an ENT surgeon at Charak Hospital or call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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