Vertigo is the feeling that you or the room is spinning or tilting, even when you’re still. It’s a symptom, not a condition on its own, and the cause decides what helps. The most common cause is BPPV, where tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of place, bringing on short spins when you turn your head or roll over in bed. Others include inner-ear inflammation, Ménière’s disease and vestibular migraine. Rarely, it’s a sign of a stroke. This page covers when to get help, the everyday steps with the best support and the remedies people traditionally use.
Get medical help first if…
- vertigo comes with weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, double vision, a drooping face, a severe headache or trouble walking. These can be signs of a stroke. Call 911.
- you’ve suddenly lost hearing in one ear. See a doctor within a day or two; early treatment matters.
- it started after a head injury
- you faint, or have chest pain or a racing heartbeat
- it’s your first episode, it keeps coming back, or you’re falling
Everyday steps with the best support
- Find out which type you have. A doctor or vestibular physiotherapist can often tell with simple tests in the office.
- For BPPV, ask about repositioning moves such as the Epley manoeuvre. They have strong evidence and often work in one or two sessions. Once shown how, some people learn to do them at home.
- Ask about vestibular rehabilitation (balance exercises) for dizziness that keeps lingering.
- When a spin starts, sit or lie down right away and keep your eyes on one still point.
- Get up slowly in the morning: sit on the edge of the bed for a minute first.
- Make your home fall-safe: night lights, clear floors and handrails.
- For Ménière’s disease, limiting salt, caffeine and alcohol is the usual first step; your doctor can guide you.
Remedies people traditionally use
These have a long history of traditional use. Research on them is limited or mixed, so think of them as extras alongside the everyday steps and your doctor’s advice, not replacements.
- Ginger: a traditional remedy for nausea and motion sickness, with some research support for nausea. Ginger tea or chews are the gentle way to try it.
- Rest in a quiet, dim room: during an attack. Screens and bright light tend to make it worse.
- Vitamin D: one trial found fewer BPPV repeat episodes in people with low vitamin D who took vitamin D and calcium. Ask for a blood test before supplementing.
- Ginkgo: traditionally used for dizziness, with mixed results. It can increase bleeding with blood thinners.
Worth knowing: some medicines, including blood pressure pills and sleep aids, can cause dizziness. Ask your pharmacist to review your list. Anti-dizziness drugs are meant for short-term use, because they can slow your brain’s natural recovery.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything new, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, on medication or managing a health condition.
A third-party guide (affiliate)
Some readers ask for a step-by-step home program. This one is sold by an outside company. Please see a doctor first, so you know which type you have.
Sponsored link. If you buy through it, Clif may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The claims on the seller’s page are theirs, not ours, and haven’t been checked by us. It’s not a substitute for seeing your doctor.
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Sources
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Educational only, not medical advice. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA or Health Canada and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any remedy, supplement, or detox, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.