Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Vertigo?
Vertigo is the feeling that you or the room is spinning. A primary care doctor can start the workup and may suggest an otolaryngologist, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or an audiologist, a hearing and balance specialist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is the feeling that you or the room is spinning, even when nothing is moving. It is not the same as dizziness. Dizziness can make you feel lightheaded, woozy, or unsteady on your feet. Sometimes vertigo is a symptom of another condition.
A vertigo attack can last from a few seconds to hours. Severe vertigo can last for many days or months.
Symptoms
Vertigo feels like you or everything around you is spinning. It can be strong enough to affect your balance. The spinning may get worse when you walk, stand up, or move your head.
Other symptoms can include:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sweating.
- Trouble walking.
- Ringing in your ears.
Causes and who gets it
Inner ear problems are the most common source of vertigo. BPPV, short for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is the most common cause of vertigo. It is a brief, intense episode of vertigo set off by a specific change in the position of your head. BPPV can result from a head injury or can develop just from getting older.
Other causes include:
- Labyrinthitis, an inner ear infection caused by a cold or flu virus.
- Vestibular neuritis, an inflammation of the vestibular nerve that can be caused by a virus.
- Meniere's disease, an inner ear condition with episodes of vertigo.
- Migraine and some types of medicine.
- A sudden drop in blood pressure or motion sickness.
- A head injury or ear surgery.
Sometimes the cause is unknown. Vertigo can happen to anyone, but it is more common as you get older.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your medicines and symptoms and may do a physical exam. They may check your hearing, balance, and how you walk. One simple test has you move quickly from sitting to lying down to check your balance. This can bring on symptoms.
You may also have a hearing exam or blood tests. Imaging tests of your head and brain may be done too. Imaging is also used if your doctor thinks you may have had a stroke. More than one test may be needed to find the cause. You might be referred to a specialist for further tests.
Treatment
Most people with vertigo get better without treatment. When treatment is needed, it depends on the cause.
Options can include:
- Antibiotics, if an infection is the cause.
- Exercises to help correct your balance.
- Antihistamines, which can sometimes help with vertigo symptoms.
- For BPPV, simple head movements such as the Epley maneuver, done by an ear specialist or an audiologist, to help move tiny inner ear grains called otoconia out of the canal.
- A vestibular rehabilitation therapist can build a treatment plan for you.
With BPPV, one session often works, but some people need the movements several times.
These steps can ease vertigo while it is happening:
- Lie still in a quiet, dark room.
- Move your head slowly and carefully.
- Sit down right away when you feel dizzy.
- Get out of bed slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a while before you stand up.
Talk to your doctor about whether it is safe to drive. Avoid walking in the dark, and wear low-heeled shoes or walking shoes outdoors.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your vertigo does not go away or keeps coming back.
Get urgent medical care if you have vertigo and a severe headache, you feel very sick, or you have a very high temperature.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have sudden or severe vertigo along with vision problems, slurred speech, or weakness. Double vision, loss of vision, trouble speaking, and weakness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg are also warning signs.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can ask about your symptoms and medicines, do a physical exam, and refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor if needed.
Common questions
What does vertigo feel like?
Vertigo feels like you or the room is spinning, even when nothing is moving. The feeling may get worse when you walk, stand up, or move your head.
Is vertigo the same as dizziness?
No, vertigo and dizziness are not the same thing. Dizziness can make you feel lightheaded, woozy, or unsteady on your feet, while vertigo is the feeling that you or the room is spinning.
What is the most common cause of vertigo?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is the most common cause of vertigo. It brings a brief, intense episode of vertigo when your head moves into a certain position.
Does vertigo go away on its own?
Often it does, because most people with vertigo get better without treatment. See a doctor if it does not go away or keeps coming back.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Dizziness and Vertigo
- NHS - Vertigo
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders - Balance Disorders
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
