Vertigo: what it feels like and how to stop it fast

Vertigo isn’t just feeling lightheaded — it’s a spinning or tilting sensation that makes balance hard and even walking risky. It often comes on suddenly and can be terrifying. The good news: many causes are treatable, and simple steps can ease an attack right away.

Common causes you should know

Most vertigo comes from the inner ear or how the brain reads balance signals. The usual suspects:

• BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) — tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of place when you change head position. Attacks are brief but frequent.
• Vestibular neuritis — a viral inflammation of the balance nerve; causes longer, intense vertigo.
• Meniere’s disease — inner ear fluid imbalance that brings vertigo, hearing loss, and ear fullness.
• Migraine-associated vertigo — dizziness linked to migraine activity, sometimes without headache.
• Medications or other medical issues — certain drugs, low blood pressure, or neurological problems can cause vertigo-like symptoms.

What to do right when it starts

If spinning hits you: sit or lie down immediately and keep still. Focus on a fixed object or a point on the ceiling to reduce nausea. Avoid driving or climbing stairs until you feel steady. Sip water and breathe slowly — panic makes it worse.

For BPPV, the Epley maneuver often stops attacks by moving those tiny crystals back where they belong. You can learn this maneuver from a physiotherapist or a trusted online demo from a clinic. Vestibular rehabilitation (simple balance and head-movement exercises) helps when dizziness hangs on.

Some medicines can ease symptoms short-term: antihistamines like meclizine or anti-nausea meds can help with severe bouts. Don’t self-medicate long-term — check with your doctor, especially if you’re on other drugs.

Prevention tips that actually work: sleep with your head slightly elevated if Meniere’s is the issue, cut back on salt and caffeine, stay hydrated, avoid sudden head turns, and manage migraine triggers if those cause your vertigo.

See a doctor right away if vertigo comes with trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, double vision, severe headache, or fainting. Those are red flags for a stroke or other serious problem and need urgent care.

If vertigo keeps coming back, ask for a proper assessment: simple bedside tests (Dix–Hallpike, head impulse), hearing checks, and sometimes an MRI will pinpoint the cause. Most people improve with targeted therapy — Epley for BPPV, vestibular rehab for chronic balance issues, and tailored medication or procedures for Meniere’s.

Want practical tips? Read our guide “Top 10 Effective Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness Dizziness” for home remedies and gentle fixes that often help during travel or mild attacks.