Vertigo (dizziness) – St John NSW

Medical Emergencies

Vertigo (dizziness)

Download Fact Sheet PDFs

Vertigo is a type of dizziness where you feel as though you or your surroundings are spinning, tilting or swaying.

Signs and symptoms

a sensation of movement (spinning, tilting, swaying) either of yourself or your surroundings
unsteadiness, difficulty walking straight
light-headedness
feeling faint

Other symptoms can include:

headache
nausea and vomiting
ringing sound in ears
difficulty hearing
staggering gait and loss of coordination
jerky eye movements
difficulty seeing clearly

Most dizziness is caused by problems of the inner ear which are treatable.

Sometimes dizziness can be caused by other conditions such as low blood pressure, some heart problems, anxiety or low blood sugar.

What to do

Follow DRSABCD.
Help the casualty to sit or lie down in a comfortable position, and rest.
Advise the casualty to avoid abrupt head movements, especially looking up and making sudden changes in body position.
Provide the casualty with water to drink.
Turn off bright lights and ensure a flow of fresh air.
If this is the first time that the casualty has experienced dizziness or vertigo advise them to see their doctor.

Keep the person safe

If standing or walking, help the casualty to avoid falling.
If the casualty feels nauseous or is vomiting, have them lie down on their side.
Do not allow the casualty to operate any machinery or drive.