---
title: "Vertigo: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "A plain-English guide to vertigo — what causes the spinning sensation, what helps, and when to see a GP."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/vertigo/
robots: noindex
---

# Vertigo: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

A plain-English guide to vertigo — what causes the spinning sensation, what helps, and when to see a GP.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026

## Quick answer

What is vertigo? Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when they are not. It is usually caused by a problem in the inner ear and is more unpleasant than dangerous. It often settles on its own, and treatment is available for the common causes.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Vertigo, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland.

On this page 5 sections

## Key facts about vertigo

- Vertigo is a false sensation of spinning or movement.
- It is most often caused by an inner-ear problem.
- It is usually more unpleasant than dangerous and often settles.
- Treatments are available for the common causes.

## What is vertigo?

Vertigo is the false sensation that you, or the world around you, is spinning or moving. It is a symptom rather than a condition in itself, and is most often caused by a problem with the inner ear, which helps control your balance. Although it can be very unpleasant and disorientating, it is usually not dangerous.

## How it feels

Vertigo can cause:

- a spinning or tilting sensation

- feeling off balance or unsteady

- nausea or being sick

- symptoms triggered or worsened by moving your head

Episodes can last seconds, minutes or longer, depending on the cause.

## Common causes

Most vertigo comes from the inner ear. Common causes include:

- BPPV — brief spinning triggered by certain head movements

- inner-ear infections (labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis)

- Ménière’s disease — vertigo with hearing changes and tinnitus

Less commonly, vertigo is linked to problems in the brain, which is why new or unusual vertigo is worth having assessed.

## Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. For some inner-ear causes, particularly BPPV, specific guided head movements can resolve symptoms quickly. Medicines can ease nausea or severe episodes. Many causes settle over days to weeks. A GP can examine you and recommend the right approach.

## When to seek urgent help

Vertigo itself is usually harmless, but treat it as an emergency if it comes with a sudden severe headache, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, double vision, facial drooping, or difficulty walking — these can be signs of a stroke.

## ! When to see a GP about vertigo

See a GP if vertigo keeps coming back, is severe, or is affecting your daily life — they can look for the cause and suggest treatment. Call **999** or go to A&E if vertigo comes with a sudden severe headache, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, double vision, drooping of the face, or difficulty walking — these can be signs of a stroke and need emergency care.

## Common questions about vertigo

What causes vertigo? Most vertigo is caused by problems in the inner ear, which controls balance. Common causes include BPPV (where small movements trigger brief spinning), inner-ear infections, and Ménière's disease. Less commonly, vertigo can be linked to problems in the brain. How long does vertigo last? It depends on the cause. Some types cause brief episodes lasting seconds to minutes (often triggered by head movements), while others last hours or longer. Many causes improve over days to weeks, sometimes with treatment. How is vertigo treated? Treatment depends on the cause. For some inner-ear causes, simple guided head movements (manoeuvres) can be very effective. Medicines may help with nausea or severe episodes. A GP can assess which approach suits you. When is vertigo a sign of something serious? Vertigo is usually not dangerous, but get emergency help if it comes with a sudden severe headache, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, double vision, facial drooping, or difficulty walking, as these can indicate a stroke.

## Sources

- [NHS — Vertigo](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vertigo/)