Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness: the false sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, even while standing still. It is different from lightheadedness, which feels more like faintness without any spinning sensation.

Most vertigo cases trace back to the inner ear's balance system rather than the brain itself. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), caused by tiny displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear, is one of the most common causes and is often triggered by specific head movements.

A Spinning Sensation, Not Just Dizziness

What Usually Causes It

Other common causes include vestibular neuritis, an inner-ear infection or inflammation, and Meniere's disease, a chronic inner-ear disorder that also involves hearing changes and ringing in the ears.

Vertigo that comes with sudden severe headache, slurred speech, double vision, weakness on one side of the body, or loss of coordination needs urgent medical attention, since those combinations can signal a stroke rather than a routine inner-ear issue.

Sources

  1. Mayo Clinic
  2. National Health Service (UK)
  3. Cleveland Clinic

FAQ

What is the difference between vertigo and regular dizziness?

Vertigo specifically involves a false sense of spinning or motion, while general dizziness can also include lightheadedness or unsteadiness without any spinning sensation.

What is the most common cause of vertigo?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), caused by displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear, is one of the most common causes and is often triggered by specific head movements.

When is vertigo a medical emergency?

Vertigo combined with sudden severe headache, slurred speech, double vision, one-sided weakness, or loss of coordination needs urgent medical attention, since it can indicate a stroke.

About the Author

We reference Mayo Clinic, National Health Service (UK), Cleveland Clinic to explain the background and current understanding of this topic.

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