Definition

Vertigo is a sensation of motion or spinning that is often described as dizziness.

Vertigo is not the same as being lightheaded. People with vertigo feel as though they are actually spinning or moving, or that the world is spinning around them.


Causes

There are two types of vertigo, peripheral and central vertigo.

Peripheral vertigo is due to a problem in the part of the inner ear that controls balance. These areas are called the vestibular labyrinth, or semicircular canals. The problem may also involve the vestibular nerve. This is the nerve between the inner ear and the brain stem.

Peripheral vertigo may be caused by:

Benign positional vertigo (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, also known as BPPV)
Certain medicines, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, cisplatin, diuretics, or salicylates, which are toxic to the inner ear structures
Injury (such as head injury)
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve (neuronitis)
Irritation and swelling of the inner ear (labyrinthitis)
Meniere disease
Pressure on the vestibular nerve, usually from a noncancerous tumor such as a meningioma or schwannoma

Central vertigo is due to a problem in the brain, usually in the brain stem or the back part of the brain (cerebellum).

Central vertigo may be caused by:

Blood vessel disease
Certain drugs, such as anticonvulsants, aspirin, and alcohol
Multiple sclerosis
Seizures (rarely)
Stroke
Tumors (cancerous or noncancerous)
Vestibular migraine, a type of migraine headache

Symptoms

The main symptom is a sensation that you or the room is moving or spinning. The spinning sensation may cause nausea and vomiting.

Depending on the cause, other symptoms can include:

Problem focusing the eyes
Dizziness
Hearing loss in one or both ears
Loss of balance (may cause falls)
Ringing in the ears
Nausea and vomiting, leading to loss of body fluids

If you have vertigo due to problems in the brain (central vertigo), you may have other symptoms, including:

Difficulty swallowing
Double vision
Eye movement problems
Facial paralysis
Slurred speech
Weakness of the limbs