Vertigo with or without other symptoms

Vertigo is a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. The feeling of motion is commonly described as spinning or whirling, but it may also include sensations of falling or tilting. It may be difficult to walk or stand, and you may lose your balance and fall.

Mild vertigo occurs occasionally for a brief time and goes away on its own. Nausea, but not vomiting, also may be present. Mild vertigo or lightheadedness that comes and goes without other symptoms usually is not a serious problem. It can occur with other illnesses such as a cold, the flu, or other viral infections. This type of vertigo usually clears up when the viral illness goes away.

Moderate vertigo requires that you lie down, lie still, and not move your head in order to stop the feeling of movement. Nausea is present and you may vomit occasionally, but you are able to keep fluids down.

Severe vertigo occurs when the feeling of movement is continuous, even when lying down. Nausea and vomiting are so severe that you will vomit most of the fluid you drink. This may lead to dehydration. Severe vertigo with persistent vomiting usually requires evaluation by a health professional.

Sudden vertigo that begins with new ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss can indicate a problem that requires a visit to a health professional, such as Ménière's disease or labyrinthitis.

Contact your health professional if persistent vertigo keeps you from participating in your usual daily activities. This type of vertigo may indicate a condition such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular neuritis.

If a serious illness is causing the vertigo, other symptoms in addition to the vertigo usually are present or will develop quickly. Vertigo that occurs with any signs of a serious illness requires immediate medical treatment.

When vertigo is sudden or severe, interferes with your daily activities, or occurs with other severe symptoms, an evaluation by a health professional is required immediately.