Vertigo: understanding its causes, management & treatment
Originally published: April 2023 | Last updated: January 2026
Vertigo is a common condition that can cause a sense of spinning or disorientation. Many adults experience vertigo at some point in their lives, and it can be a frustrating and disorienting experience. However, with proper treatment and care, vertigo can be managed effectively. In this article, we will discuss what vertigo is, why an Audiologist can diagnose and treat it, and the various treatment options available.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is a condition that causes a feeling of spinning or disorientation. It is often associated with dizziness, nausea, and a sense of imbalance. Vertigo can be caused by a number of different factors, including inner ear problems, head injuries, and certain medical conditions.
An Audiologist is a specialist in hearing and balance disorders, and they are well-equipped to diagnose and treat vertigo. Audiologists have the training and experience to diagnose the underlying causes of vertigo, and they use a variety of tests and procedures to determine the best course of treatment. In addition, audiologists can recommend exercises and other strategies to help manage vertigo symptoms, and they can provide hearing aids and other devices to help improve balance and stability.
Types of vertigo
Vertigo is not a single condition. There are several types of vertigo, each with different underlying causes and patterns of symptoms. Understanding the type of vertigo a person is experiencing can help guide appropriate management and treatment.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is one of the most common types of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced, disrupting normal balance signals. Symptoms are usually brief but intense episodes of spinning, often triggered by changes in head position such as turning over in bed or looking up. You can read our article about BPPV here.
Vestibular neuritis: Vestibular neuritis is caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which helps send balance information from the inner ear to the brain. It often develops suddenly and can result in prolonged vertigo, nausea, and balance difficulties. Hearing is typically not affected, although recovery can take several weeks.
Ménière’s disease: Ménière’s disease is a long-term inner ear condition associated with episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear. Symptoms and frequency can vary between individuals and over time. You can read more about Ménière’s disease in our detailed guide here.
Central vertigo: Central vertigo is caused by conditions affecting the brain or central nervous system rather than the inner ear. It may be associated with neurological conditions such as migraine, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. Symptoms can differ from inner ear–related vertigo and may include difficulty with coordination, vision, or speech. Central vertigo always requires medical assessment.
How vertigo is diagnosed and treated
To diagnose vertigo, an Audiologist will perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include a hearing test, a balance test, and other procedures. The goal of this evaluation is to determine the underlying cause of the vertigo, so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
Once the underlying cause of vertigo has been determined, the Audiologist will recommend a treatment plan that may include one or more of the following:
Vestibular rehabilitation: This is a type of physical therapy that can help improve balance and stability, and reduce vertigo symptoms.
Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help reduce vertigo symptoms. This may include anti-nausea medications, anti-anxiety medications, or other medications that help improve balance and stability.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat vertigo. This may include a procedure to remove a benign growth from the inner ear, or a procedure to improve circulation to the inner ear.
Hearing aids: If an underlying hearing loss is contributing to the vertigo, hearing aids may be prescribed to help improve balance and stability.
Lifestyle changes: Making certain changes to your lifestyle can also help manage vertigo symptoms. This may include avoiding sudden head movements, reducing stress, and making changes to your diet and exercise routine.
It is important to seek a diagnostic assessment if you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo. Vertigo can be a symptom of an underlying condition, and early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes. In addition, a diagnostic assessment can help determine the most appropriate course of treatment, and it can help you better understand your condition and how to manage it effectively.
If vertigo is not treated, it can lead to other health problems, such as dizziness, falls, and a reduced quality of life. In addition, if vertigo is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a tumor or inner ear disease, it is important to seek treatment promptly to prevent further complications.
Vertigo is a common condition that can cause a sense of spinning or disorientation. However, with proper treatment and care, vertigo can be managed effectively.
This article was reviewed and updated to reflect current clinical guidance.
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