- Chronic Care
Vertigo
Vertigo treatment available online today
In order to treat your vertigo, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to develop a treatment plan to get relief from dizziness. Get a new prescription to treat vertigo or refill an existing prescription today.*
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Relief from nausea, sweating, or ear problems
Prompt vertigo diagnosis and treatment
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and our prescription discount card.
Learn about vertigo
Vertigo is not a condition, but a symptom of a condition. Vertigo can involve the feeling of loss of balance, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and more.
Vertigo causes often include problems with the inner ear, since the inner ear is largely responsible for balance and knowing where the head is in relation to gravity. Moving your head during situations like the process of lying down or standing up can make the vertigo symptoms worse. Many different conditions can cause vertigo, and each condition may need different treatment.
There are two different types of vertigo: peripheral vertigo and central vertigo.
Peripheral vertigo is the most common form of vertigo and can lead to nausea, sweating, and ear problems.
Central vertigo occurs when someone experiences hallucinations of motion of their surroundings, or spinning sensation, while they remain still.
If you're suffering from symptoms of vertigo for extended periods of time, you may want to see a doctor to evaluate the root cause of your symptoms and discuss treatment options.
Vertigo causes
Vertigo causes often include issues with the inner ear. There are a variety of different things that can affect the inner ear, and some problems are easier to treat than others. The inner ear tells your brain where your head and body are moving in relation to gravity. Your inner ear is the main system in your body responsible for balance, which is why inner ear problems can have such a great effect on a person's balance.
Peripheral vertigo causes
Labyrinthitis - The inflammation of part of the inner ear that is called the labyrinth. Viral infections such as the common cold are the typical cause of labyrinthitis, although it can also be caused by bacteria.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) - BPPV happens when tiny particles of calcium (canaliths) clump up in the inner ear canals. This is one of the most common causes of vertigo, and leads to the sudden sensation that you're spinning or that the inside of your head is spinning.
Head injuries - If you experience dizziness after a head injury, you need to get immediate medical attention.
Vestibular neuronitis - Vestibular neuronitis is an inflammation of the nerve running from the labyrinth to the brain. It's typically caused by a viral infection and comes on suddenly.
Central vertigo causes
Migraines - Migraines are severe headaches that are typically felt as a throbbing in the front or on one side of the head. Young people are especially prone to migraines.
Multiple sclerosis - MS can affects the brain and spinal cord.
Acoustic neuroma - Acoustic neuroma is a rare, non-cancerous brain tumor that grows on the nerve that helps to control hearing and balance (the acoustic nerve).
Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or strokes - When parts of the blood supply to the brain is cut off, can lead to symptoms of vertigo.
Certain types of medication - Some medications can have central vertigo as a side effect. Talk to your doctor about switching medications. Never stop taking a prescription without talking to your doctor first.
Vertigo symptoms
When it comes to symptoms of vertigo in women vs. symptoms of vertigo in men, both genders tend to experience similar symptoms. However, women are slightly more likely to experience vertigo symptoms than men. Vertigo symptoms may range from mild to severe, may last anywhere from a few minutes to several days or more, and may include the following in addition to other symptoms:
Dizziness
Loss of balance, possibly so severe that it's difficult to stand or walk
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Sweating
Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
Unusual or jerking eye movements (called nystagmus)
Sensations of spinning, tilting, swaying, being unbalanced or being pulled in one direction
How to treat vertigo
Vertigo treatment will vary based on the cause. In general, lying still in a dark, quiet room can help ease the symptoms of spinning and nausea. Your doctor may also prescribe medication.
Stress and anxiety can make vertigo worse, so learning to manage those things can lead to a reduced amount of vertigo episodes.
Vertigo medication
There are three medications that are typically prescribed to help ease vertigo symptoms depending on the cause. It's important to note that medications will only treat the symptoms of vertigo.
Antiemetic
Antiemetics can ease symptoms of severe nausea and vomiting associated with vertigo.
Prochlorperazine
Antihistamines
Antihistamines will block histamine to relieve symptoms of dizziness and nausea.
Histamine analogue
Betahistine
How to prevent vertigo
While it's impossible to guarantee that you will never develop vertigo, there are some lifestyle changes you can make that should help reduce your chances of experiencing vertigo symptoms.
Generally speaking, any lifestyle changes you would make to reduce your odds of having a stroke can help prevent vertigo.
These changes include improving your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and blood glucose levels.
When to see a doctor for vertigo
If you experience dizziness or "vertigo" along with any of the following symptoms you should see a doctor immediately: double or loss of vision, hearing loss, trouble speaking, leg or arm weakness, falling or difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, and chest pain or rapid or slow heart rate.
Vertigo treatment FAQs
How do they diagnose vertigo?
Your doctor may have a pretty good idea of your vertigo causes based on your symptoms and medical history, but sometimes more extensive testing is required. Your doctor will first want to rule out life-threatening problems such as a stroke. During your initial appointment, you should be prepared to answer questions about:
The first time you experienced vertigo did you feel lightheaded? Was the room spinning?
Did you experience other vertigo symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, or a sense of fullness in the ear?
How frequently your vertigo symptoms occur and how long they last
Whether or how much your symptoms impact your daily living What triggers your vertigo symptoms or makes them worse, like turning your head in a specific direction
What makes your symptoms improve?
Your doctor may also do a physical examination to check for or rule out conditions that can cause vertigo. They may look inside your ears, check your eyes for signs of uncontrolled movement, check your balance, or try to recreate your symptoms by having you sit up or lay down quickly.
How do you test for vertigo?
Your doctor may perform additional testing or refer you to a specialist for additional testing to evaluate vertigo causes. These tests may include:
Hearing tests done by an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) may be suggested if you are experiencing ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss. The ENT may use a tuning fork or a machine that produces beeps at certain pitches to check for any hearing loss.
Videonystagmography (VNG) helps look for signs of uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus) in more detail. Nystagmus may indicate a problem with any of the systems that help you balance. You will be asked to wear special goggles and look at still or moving images. Video cameras inside the goggles record your eye movements and check for abnormalities.
Caloric testing involves running warm or cool air or water into the ear for about 30 seconds. The sudden change in temperature stimulates the balance organ in your ear to see how well it's working. While the test isn't painful, it can cause dizziness that may take a while to wear off once the test is complete.
Posturography uses a machine to test your balance. It gives useful information about how you are using your vision, proprioception (sensations from your feet and joints), and the input from your ear to maintain balance. This machine may also be used to track progress during rehabilitation.
Scans can help check for structural problems in your brain such as tumors. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to show the inside of your head. A computerized tomography (CT) scan uses a series of x-rays to show the inside of your head.
How long does vertigo usually last for?
Vertigo commonly lasts anywhere from several seconds to several minutes. However, in more complex cases, it could last hours, days, or even weeks. If your vertigo lasts longer than a few minutes, speak to a doctor about treatment options.
Can stress cause vertigo?
Stress alone is not a cause of vertigo, but stress can lead to issues within the inner ear. These problems with the inner ear could contribute to vertigo causes, as some adults report an increase in vertigo symptoms when stressed.
Can vertigo be cured naturally?
Some forms or vertigo may go away on their own, but for more severe vertigo, you may want to see a doctor to diagnose if there is a severe underlying cause. For severe forms of vertigo, treatment is helpful and effective.
3 simple steps to request treatment for vertigo today
Step 1
Book a vertigo treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your vertigo symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription to treat your vertigo.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Most major insurance plans accepted
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Paying without insurance? New patient visits are $129, and follow-ups are only $99 for members.
Don’t see your provider listed? Email [email protected] or call (888) 564-4454 to talk to a PlushCare specialist.
Related conditions to vertigo
Meniere's disease
Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can lead to dizziness and hearing loss. In most cases, Meniere's disease affects only one ear.
Vertigo treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request vertigo treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.