Vertigo

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a false sensation of spinning or motion. Unlike general lightheadedness, people with vertigo feel as though they or their environment are rotating, even when completely still. This disturbing symptom can range from mild and brief to severe and long-lasting, occasionally persisting for days or months.

The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear’s balance center become dislodged. Other frequent causes include labyrinthitis (inner ear infection), vestibular neuritis (nerve inflammation), and Ménière’s disease, which may also cause tinnitus and hearing loss. Migraines, certain medications, head trauma, and in rare cases, stroke or tumors can also trigger vertigo.

Symptoms often accompany nausea, vomiting, sweating, difficulty balancing, and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). Attacks may last seconds to hours, worsening with head movements.

Most mild cases resolve without treatment, but recurring or disruptive vertigo requires medical evaluation. Doctors may recommend repositioning maneuvers (like the Epley maneuver for BPPV), balance exercises, medications such as meclizine, or treating underlying causes. Severe vertigo with double vision, slurred speech, or coordination loss needs emergency care. Understanding vertigo’s cause is essential for effective management and restoring balance.