Vertigo is a type of dizziness characterized by a sensation of spinning or whirling even when a person is not actually moving. It often feels like the environment is spinning or that they themselves are spinning. It can make you feel dizzy and off-balance. Nearly 40% of Americans experience vertigo at least once during their lifetime.

 

Vertigo can be caused by problems in the inner ear, brain, or sensory nerves, and it can be associated with various conditions such as inner ear infections (like vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis), Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraines, or certain medications.  There are two main types of vertigo:

 

• Peripheral vertigo: This happens when there’s a problem with the inner ear.

• Central vertigo: This occurs when there’s an issue with the brain. Causes can include infection, brain tumors, traumatic brain injury or stroke.

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Symptoms of vertigo can vary in intensity and duration, and they may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sweating, or difficulty walking. Treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or specific maneuvers to reposition displaced inner ear crystals in the case of BPPV.

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