What is vertigo?

Understanding Vertigo in Simple Terms

Vertigo is an illusion of motion - a false sensation that either you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when there is no actual movement. 1

What Exactly Is Vertigo?

• Vertigo specifically refers to a sensation of rotation or spinning, distinguishing it from other types of dizziness 1
• It's defined medically as "an illusory sensation of motion of either the self or the surroundings in the absence of true motion" 1
• When related to position changes, it's called "positional vertigo" - a spinning sensation produced when you change your head position relative to gravity 1

Common Experiences During Vertigo Episodes

• Most people describe vertigo as a rotational or spinning sensation that occurs when changing head position 1
• Episodes are often triggered by everyday activities like:
  • Rolling over in bed 1
  • Tilting your head upward (like looking at a high shelf) 1
  • Bending forward (like tying shoes) 1
• Episodes typically last less than a minute, though some conditions cause longer episodes 1
• Many people report feeling unsteady or "off balance" even between episodes 1

Common Symptoms That Accompany Vertigo

• Nausea or vomiting 2, 3
• Visual disturbances such as:
  • Blurred vision 4
  • Oscillopsia (illusion that stationary objects are moving) 4
  • Difficulty focusing 4
• Feeling lightheaded or unsteady 1, 5
• Need to modify movements to avoid triggering episodes 1

Common Causes of Vertigo

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) - the most common cause, involving displaced particles in the inner ear 1, 2
• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis - often following viral infections 2, 3
• Ménière's disease - involving fluid buildup in the inner ear 2, 6
• Vestibular migraine - vertigo associated with migraine headaches 2, 3
• Less commonly, vertigo can be caused by:
  • Stroke or other brain issues 4, 6
  • Anxiety disorders 2

How Vertigo Differs From Other Types of Dizziness

• Vertigo (Type I dizziness) - specifically a spinning or rotational sensation 7, 5
• Pre-syncope (Type II dizziness) - feeling like you might faint 7, 6
• Dysequilibrium (Type III dizziness) - unsteadiness when standing or walking 7
• Lightheadedness (Type IV dizziness) - vague feeling of being "off" 7, 5

When to Seek Medical Attention

• When vertigo is severe, persistent, or accompanied by:
  • New or severe headache 2, 6
  • Visual or speech changes 4, 6
  • Weakness in arms or legs 6
  • Inability to walk 3, 6
• Most vertigo cases can be diagnosed and treated effectively without extensive testing 2, 3