Vertigo gets better in most cases without treatment. See a GP if it keeps coming back or is affecting your daily life.

Check if it's vertigo Vertigo feels like you or everything around you is spinning – enough to affect your balance. It's more than just feeling dizzy. A vertigo attack can last from a few seconds to hours. If you have severe vertigo, it can last for many days or months.

Help with vertigo There are things you can do to ease vertigo symptoms when they're happening, and to reduce the number of episodes you have. Do lie still in a quiet, dark room to reduce the spinning feeling

move your head carefully and slowly during daily activities

sit down straight away when you feel dizzy

turn on the lights if you get up at night

use a walking stick if you're at risk of falling

sleep with your head slightly raised on 2 or more pillows

get out of bed slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a while before standing up

try to relax – anxiety can make vertigo worse Don’t do not bend over to pick things up – squat to lower yourself instead

do not stretch your neck – for example, while reaching up to a high shelf

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you: have vertigo that will not go away or keeps coming back Information: Coronavirus update: how to contact a GP It's still important to get help from a GP if you need it. To contact your GP surgery: visit their website

use the NHS App

call them Find out about using the NHS during coronavirus What happens at your appointment The GP will ask about your symptoms to try to find out what type of vertigo you have. A simple test that involves you moving quickly from a sitting to a lying position might be done to check your balance. This could bring on symptoms. You might also be referred to a specialist for further tests. Urgent advice: Get advice from 111 now if you have vertigo and: have a severe headache

are being sick or feel very sick

have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery 111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Other ways to get help Get an urgent GP appointment A GP may be able to help you. Ask your GP practice for an urgent appointment. Immediate action required: Go to A&E if you have vertigo and: double vision or loss of vision

hearing loss

trouble speaking

leg or arm weakness, numbness or tingling Always take someone who cannot be woken up to A&E or call 999.

Treatment for vertigo Most cases of vertigo get better without treatment. Treatment will depend on the cause. The GP might prescribe antibiotics if it's caused by an infection. You could also be given special exercises to do to try to correct your balance. Antihistamines can sometimes help with vertigo symptoms. Important If you drive, you must tell the DVLA about your vertigo. Visit the GOV.UK website for more information on driving with vertigo.