Vertigo

• Vertigo is a type of dizziness with a spinning sensation
• Most cases are related to inner ear issues
• Episodes can be brief or recurrent
• Often triggered by movement or position changes
• Many causes are treatable with simple maneuvers or therapy

Common symptoms of vertigo include:

• Spinning or whirling sensation
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Nausea or vomiting

Some people may also experience difficulty focusing, unsteadiness when walking, or sensitivity to movement. Vertigo can sometimes be confused with general dizziness or lightheadedness, which may have different causes.

Vertigo is most often caused by problems in the inner ear or the body’s balance system.

Common causes include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), triggered by changes in head position
• Inner ear problems such as ear infections and ruptured eardrums
• Vestibular disorders affecting balance
• Head injury

In some cases, vertigo may be associated with neurological conditions or migraines.

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Are over age 50
• Have a history of inner ear problems
• Experience migraines
• Have had a head injury
• Have frequent episodes of dizziness

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of vertigo.

For many people, simple repositioning maneuvers can help move displaced particles in the inner ear and relieve symptoms. These are often used for conditions like BPPV.

Other treatments may include medications to reduce nausea or dizziness, as well as balance therapy (vestibular rehabilitation) to improve stability and reduce recurrence.

Managing underlying conditions, such as migraines or infections, is also an important part of treatment.

See a healthcare provider, or a specialist such as an otolaryngologist (ENT), if vertigo is persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily activities. You should also seek care if vertigo occurs with symptoms such as severe headache, vision changes, weakness, or difficulty speaking, as these may indicate a more serious condition.