What is vertigo?
Vertigo feels like everything around you is spinning – enough to affect your balance. It is more than just feeling dizzy.
A Vertigo attack can last from a few seconds to a few hours. If you have severe vertigo, it can last for many days or months.
What causes vertigo?
Peripheral vertigo, the most common type, is often caused by a problem with the balance mechanisms of the inner ear.
Vertigo can be a symptom of several different conditions.
The causes include:
- Side effects of certain medication
- Vestibular neuronitis
- Head injuries
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- Labyrinthitis is inflammation within the inner ear
- Excess alcohol
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo may occur for no apparent reason, or it may develop after:
- An ear infection
- Ear surgery
- Head injury
- Prolonged bed rest
What are the symptoms of vertigo?
The symptoms of vertigo include:
- Dizziness or a feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Problems with walking or standing
- Sweating
- Headache
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Double vision
- Difficulty focusing the eyes
It’s important to see a doctor if you are experiencing persistent symptoms of vertigo, as it can be a sign of an underlying health condition.
