What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation that makes you feel like the world around you is spinning, or you are moving when you are actually still. It isn’t a disease by itself, but a symptom of an underlying problem in the inner ear, brain or sensory pathways. Many people describe vertigo as feeling off balance, dizzy or pulled to one side. These episodes can last a few seconds, minutes or even hours depending on the underlying cause. Understanding what vertigo is, its symptoms, causes, and types can help you seek the right care at the right time.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo can look different from person to person. Some describe as

• True spinning sensation(vertigo)

• Loss of balance or unsteadiness (imbalance)

• Lightheadedness or presyncope

• Feeling of being pushed.

Associated symptoms

• Difficulty focusing the eyes

• Ringing in the ears

• Sweating or feeling faint

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• Decreased hearing

Vertigo Causes

Several conditions can trigger vertigo. Some of the most common vertigo causes include:

1. Inner Ear Problems

The inner ear helps control balance. When it gets disturbed, vertigo can happen.

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear shifting out of place. It triggers short, sudden spinning episodes when you change head position.

• Labyrinthitis: An inner ear infection that leads to dizziness, vertigo and hearing loss.

• Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often due to viral infection, causing intense vertigo without hearing loss.

• Ménière’s Disease: A condition causing vertigo, ringing in the ears and fluctuating hearing loss due to fluid buildup in the inner ear.

2. Brain-Related Causes

Issues in the central nervous system can also cause vertigo:

• Migraine-associated vertigo

• Stroke or mini-stroke

• Multiple sclerosis

• Tumors or nerve compression

3. Other Possible Causes

• Low blood pressure

• arrhythmias

• Anxiety or panic attacks

• Head injury

• Certain medications

Knowing the cause is important because treatment varies widely depending on what triggers your symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if you have:

• Repeated or worsening vertigo episodes

• Vertigo with severe headache

• Vision changes, slurred speech or weakness

• Vertigo after a head injury

• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears

These signs may point to something more serious.

Conclusion

Vertigo can affect your daily activities and confidence, but understanding what is vertigo, its symptoms, causes, and types can make it easier to manage. In most cases, especially peripheral vertigo, it improves with proper diagnosis and treatment. If vertigo is disrupting your life, don’t ignore it. Early care can help you regain balance and feel steady again.

FAQs

1. What does vertigo actually feel like?

Most people describe it as a spinning or swaying feeling, like the room is moving even when you’re still.

2. What is the main cause of vertigo?

Inner ear problems are the most common cause, especially BPPV, infections or fluid imbalance in inner ear

3. How do I know if I have vertigo or just dizziness?

Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness. Vertigo feels like spinning of self or surrounding.

4. Can stress or anxiety cause vertigo?

Yes, they can trigger or worsen vertigo episodes, especially if you already have a balance issue.

5. What are the warning signs that vertigo is serious?

Trouble walking, vision changes, slurred speech, weakness of one side or sudden severe headache