Vertigo, also commonly referred to as dizziness, is defined as a sensation of imbalance and lightheadedness. While in everyday language the terms “vertigo” and “dizziness” are often used interchangeably, they do not always mean the same thing. Vertigo is a medical symptom that cannot be simply described as ordinary lightheadedness experienced by most people.
Vertigo often occurs during rapid movements, bending, or standing up quickly. However, it can also be experienced during minor movements, walking, or even while resting, causing sensations of swaying, disorientation, or imbalance. Vertigo disrupts the sense of balance and increases the risk of falling.
Vertigo can occur in acute or sharp attacks lasting from a few seconds to several hours. It may be triggered by rapid movements, spinning quickly, walking, or motion sickness (e.g., car or sea sickness),but it can also arise spontaneously, independent of movement.
Although vertigo is a commonly observed symptom, it is not a disease in itself but can indicate an underlying condition. In some cases, even severe sneezing can trigger vertigo, which may be associated with more serious underlying illnesses.
Although sensations like fainting or blurred vision are often referred to as “dizziness” in everyday language, clinical vertigo is specifically defined as the perception that the environment around a stationary person is spinning. For example, a person truly experiencing vertigo perceives the objects and walls in the room as rotating.
The causes of vertigo are generally categorized into two main groups:
This type originates from problems in the central nervous system, particularly the brain, brainstem, or cerebellum. Vertigo may be a symptom of conditions such as bleeding, stroke, migraine, tumors, or multiple sclerosis (MS) affecting these areas.
This type is caused by issues in the inner ear and vestibular (balance) nerve. Peripheral vertigo is more common than central vertigo and can arise from:
Vertigo can cause imbalance, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. A person experiencing dizziness may have difficulty walking due to mental confusion or impaired judgment, may feel nausea, and may experience fear and anxiety.
Vertigo often improves over time with simple medications or lifestyle changes. However, in some cases, treating vertigo requires first addressing the underlying causes.
If you have never experienced vertigo before, and it starts suddenly or persists for a long time, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
While vertigo itself is a symptom, the following signs may occur depending on underlying causes:
Several tests are performed to determine the cause and type of vertigo. In patients presenting with vertigo, about 85% are found to have inner ear-related conditions.
Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed patient history, followed by a physical examination to identify the type and pattern of vertigo.
After the clinical examination, electronystagmography (ENG) can be used to analyze involuntary eye movements and identify conditions caused by inner ear disorders. It is important to also assess balance and hearing issues related to vertigo.
In some cases, the doctor may order CT or MRI scans, blood tests, or psychological evaluations to investigate further.
Vertigo may occur due to displaced crystals in the inner ear, stress, trauma, psychological issues, or underlying medical conditions. Therefore, treatment starts with identifying the cause and addressing any underlying disorders.
The primary goals of treatment are to reduce or eliminate vertigo and restore balance function safely. If vertigo is caused by displaced inner ear crystals, treatment involves repositioning these crystals.
If vertigo is caused by other conditions such as colds, tumors, or infections, treatment is tailored to the underlying disease and may include medications or other therapeutic methods.
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