Vertigo and dizziness

The brain helps the rest of your body to move and feel oriented with the world around it. MS vertigo or dizziness can throw off this sense of orientation and cause a lack of balance.

With the right diagnosis, medication and tools, you can better manage symptoms of MS such as vertigo or dizziness.

What is MS vertigo and dizziness?

Vertigo is a sense of movement paired with nausea or vomiting that can make it difficult to walk or stand. MS damages the connective nerves between the brain and other parts of the body, which can affect the area of the brain that controls balance – causing vertigo in some people. Episodes usually last a few hours but can last days or weeks.

Dizziness is the sensation of being lightheaded, off-balance or disoriented. It's a common symptom of MS, but can also be a sign of dehydration, a drop in blood pressure, low blood sugar, or even a stroke. Stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet to maintain blood sugars, and rise slowly from a seating or lying down position.

If you start experiencing dizziness or vertigo, seek emergency care as soon as possible.

Peripheral vertigo vs. central vertigo

The most common type of vertigo is peripheral vertigo. It can be accompanied by hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Its caused by inner ear problems and isn’t linked to MS.

Central vertigo is related to MS and other brain conditions or injuries.

Your GP can determine your type of vertigo and help you find medication and strategies to manage symptoms.

Treatments for MS dizziness or vertigo

Your doctor can prescribe medication to manage symptoms such as motion sickness. For more serious or ongoing symptoms, they might prescribe corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicine that resembles the steroid hormone, cortisol).

If you’re experiencing vertigo for hours or days, or it comes with other symptoms, your doctor may refer you to an occupational or physiotherapist to teach you safe movements, so it’s easier to live life and achieve tasks. You may also be referred to a neurologist.

Staying safe and avoiding falls

Experiencing vertigo, especially for the first time, can be scary and disorienting. To stay safe and avoid falls, there are some steps you can take both in and outside of the home.

This page has been reviewed and approved by Executive Manager Client Engagement and Wellbeing Jodi Haartsen. Jodi is a registered MS Nurse who has helped thousands of patients over her 20 years’ experience at Eastern Health MS serviceopens in new tab in Australia, in several roles including nurse educator, research nurse and nurse practitioner. Jodi is the 2022 winner of the global MS Brain Health Leader Awardopens in new tab in the Independent Healthcare Professionals category.