VERTIGO

Vertigo is dizziness that creates the false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving.

The condition can feel similar to motion sickness, but it’s not the same as lightheadedness.

Causes

Common causes for vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), infection, Meniere’s disease, and migraine.

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This is the most common cause of vertigo and creates an intense, brief sense that you’re spinning or moving. These episodes are triggered by a rapid change in head movement, such as a blow to the head.
• Infection. A viral infection of the vestibular nerve, called vestibular neuritis, can cause intense, constant vertigo.
• Meniere’s disease. When excessive fluid builds up in the inner ear, the result can be sudden episodes of vertigo that last for several hours.
• Migraine. Migraine-induced vertigo can last minutes to hours.