• Sensation of dizziness when moving
• Affects the inner ear resulting in difficulty with balance and perception
• Symptoms may include a spinning sensation when changing position, turning head or bending over
• Cause may be unknown or due to a head injury, blocked blood vessel or infection
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in females if cause unknown
• Can occur at any age but more common in older adults
• May remain mild for weeks to months
• Symptoms may resolve without treatment but can return
• Not life threatening

GENERAL THERAPY

• Be careful of falling during episodes of dizziness
• Immediately sit down if you feel dizzy
• Move slowly to prevent dizziness
• Use 2 pillows at night
• Use good lighting when getting up at night
• Use a cane for stability
• Exercises:
  • When in sitting position, move to lie on the side that causes the worst vertigo
  • Remain there for 30 seconds or until the dizziness goes away
  • Repeat on other side
  • Perform 2 times a day for several weeks, or until the vertigo goes away

PRECAUTIONS AND AVOIDANCES

• Don’t drive or cycle if there’s a chance of a vertigo attack
• Keep floors and walkways clear of clutter
• Avoid heights
• Avoid equipment that is potentially dangerous if you lose your balance
• Avoid sleeping on your side with ear down
• Avoid bending over or tipping head back
• Be careful when exercising or moving your head too quickly
• Be careful when reclining (e.g. at dentist, or hair salon)

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF:

• Headaches become severe, different or new
• Fever over 38 ºC (101 ºF)
• Double vision
• Loss of vision
• Hearing loss
• Trouble speaking
• Leg or arm weakness
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty walking or falling
• Numbness or tingling anywhere on body
• Chest pain
• Rapid or slow heart rate