Loading condition information
Conditions
Vertigo&Dizziness
A sensation of spinning or loss of balance. Can be caused by inner ear problems, migraines, or other conditions.
Get assessed
From $24.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofVertigo&Dizziness
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Spinning sensation
Loss of balance
Nausea or vomiting
Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
Sweating
Hearing changes (in some types)
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Medical certificates when vertigo affects work or driving
- Discussion of common causes (BPPV, vestibular neuritis)
- Advice on vestibular exercises
- Referral for further assessment if needed
What needs in-person care
- Physical examination (Epley manoeuvre for BPPV)
- Hearing tests
- Imaging for stroke assessment
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1First episode of vertigo
- 2Vertigo with hearing loss
- 3Vertigo lasting more than a few days
- 4Recurring episodes
- 5You need a medical certificate (unsafe to drive/work)
Seek emergency care if
- Vertigo with sudden severe headache
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Weakness or numbness
- Double vision
- Chest pain
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonVertigo&Dizziness
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Vertigo is one of the most distressing symptoms patients describe - the sensation that the room is spinning can be genuinely terrifying. The most important distinction I make during assessment is between peripheral vertigo (inner ear causes, generally benign) and central vertigo (brain causes, potentially serious). Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is by far the most common cause - it is triggered by specific head movements, lasts seconds to minutes, and is caused by calcium crystals dislodging in the inner ear. It can be treated very effectively with specific head positioning exercises (the Epley manoeuvre). Vestibular neuritis causes prolonged vertigo lasting days and is usually viral. The red flags I screen for are vertigo with neurological symptoms - slurred speech, weakness on one side, difficulty walking, severe headache, or double vision - which require urgent assessment to rule out stroke.
Treatment
TreatingVertigo&Dizziness
Vertigo treatment is cause-specific. BPPV (the most common cause) is primarily treated with the Epley manoeuvre -- a specific series of head movements that repositions displaced otoconia in the semicircular canal. This is highly effective (70-90% success with one or two treatments). Vestibular neuritis (acute prolonged vertigo) is treated with vestibular suppressants for the acute phase (48-72 hours), followed by vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Meniere's disease requires long-term management including betahistine. Medications are not a substitute for vestibular rehabilitation in BPPV.
Prochlorperazine
Stemetil
Class:Dopamine antagonist antiemetic / vestibular suppressant
Typical dose:5-10mg orally every 8 hours for acute vertigo; maximum 3 days; 25mg buccal tablet (Buccastem) available
PBS:PBS listed for vertigo and nausea; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026)
- First-line vestibular suppressant for acute vertigo with nausea per eTG -- particularly vestibular neuritis
- Buccal tablet formulation is useful when swallowing is difficult due to nausea and vomiting
- Use for maximum 3 days only -- prolonged vestibular suppression delays central compensation and recovery
- Can be prescribed via telehealth for acute vestibular neuritis presentations
Betahistine
Serc, Betahistine Sandoz
Class:Histamine H1 agonist / vestibular vasodilator
Typical dose:16mg three times daily; or 24mg twice daily; taken with food
PBS:PBS listed for Meniere's disease; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026)
- Used for long-term management of Meniere's disease to reduce frequency and severity of attacks
- Evidence is mixed for BPPV; not recommended as primary BPPV treatment
- Must be taken regularly for ongoing Meniere's prophylaxis -- not a rescue medication for acute attacks
- A telehealth consult can initiate betahistine for patients with confirmed or likely Meniere's
Promethazine
Phenergan
Class:First-generation antihistamine / vestibular suppressant
Typical dose:25mg at night for acute vertigo with nausea and insomnia
PBS:PBS listed; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026)
- Alternative vestibular suppressant with additional sedating and antiemetic properties
- Useful when vertigo is preventing sleep during the acute phase
- Significant sedation -- do not drive; use at night preferentially
- Limit to short-term use (2-3 days); prolonged use delays vestibular compensation
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines -- Neurology, 2023; Cochrane Review: Particle repositioning manoeuvres for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (2022); Meniere's Australia clinical management guidelines. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Urgent neurology or emergency referral if: vertigo with neurological symptoms (slurred speech, facial droop, arm/leg weakness, double vision, severe headache, gait ataxia) -- these suggest central cause (stroke, posterior fossa lesion). ENT specialist referral for: confirmed Meniere's disease, unilateral sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo, or BPPV not resolving with repositioning manoeuvres. Vestibular physiotherapy is highly effective for BPPV and vestibular neuritis rehabilitation.
Vertigo & Dizziness in Australia
Vertigo affects approximately 10% of the Australian population at some point in their lives
BPPV accounts for about 25% of all vertigo cases and is the most common vestibular disorder
Vertigo-related falls are a significant cause of injury in Australians over 65
Vestibular disorders are 2-3 times more common in women than men
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
BPPV: often resolves with 1-3 treatments using the Epley manoeuvre, sometimes within a single session. Vestibular neuritis: acute phase 1-3 days, with gradual improvement over 2-6 weeks. Ménière's disease: attacks last hours, with variable intervals between episodes.
Return to work
Do not drive or operate machinery during active vertigo episodes. For BPPV, most people can return to work within days after successful treatment. For vestibular neuritis, 1-2 weeks off may be needed. Avoid heights, ladders, and situations where a fall would be dangerous.
When to reassess
Seek urgent medical care if vertigo is accompanied by slurred speech, facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, severe headache, difficulty walking, or double vision - these may indicate stroke. Also reassess if vertigo persists beyond 2 weeks or is getting worse.
Self-Care
ManagingVertigo&Dizzinessathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
During an acute episode, sit or lie still in a position that minimises spinning - avoid sudden head movements
Focus your eyes on a fixed point during an episode to help your brain recalibrate
Stay hydrated - dehydration can worsen vertigo symptoms
The Epley manoeuvre can be done at home for BPPV - ask your doctor to demonstrate it or watch a reliable medical video
Avoid looking at screens during acute vertigo - the visual stimulation worsens nausea
When the acute episode passes, gentle walking helps your brain recalibrate your balance system faster than bed rest
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutVertigo&Dizziness
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Common causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, and migraines. A doctor can help narrow it down.
Yes. Vertigo can make driving and many jobs unsafe. Our doctors can provide a certificate if you need time off.
BPPV episodes can last seconds to minutes. Vestibular neuritis may last days to weeks. Recovery varies by cause.
No. Vertigo can cause sudden loss of balance and is dangerous when driving. Wait until symptoms fully resolve.
Ready to get help with Vertigo & Dizziness?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.