Overview
Vertigo is a false sense of spinning or movement. It is a symptom, not a disease, and often comes from the inner ear or balance system. Educational note: possible causes below are general categories, not a personal diagnosis.
Symptoms
- a spinning sensation
- loss of balance
- nausea
- dizziness triggered by movement
Causes
- possible categories only — inner-ear conditions
- certain infections
- less commonly, problems in the brain's balance pathways
Risk factors
- previous inner-ear problems
- older age
- certain medicines
Prevention
- managing known triggers with a clinician
Emergency warning signs
- vertigo with sudden severe headache
- weakness, numbness, or speech difficulty
- double vision or trouble walking
Evaluation & tests
Educational note: a list of possible causes is not a personal diagnosis. Clinicians assess vertigo with examination and history. This library does not diagnose.
Treatment education
Educational overview: care depends on the cause and is individualized by clinicians. This library does not prescribe.
Self-care
General education: moving carefully and avoiding sudden position changes may help; seek care to find the cause.
When to seek care
Seek care for new, severe, or persistent vertigo, especially with other neurological symptoms.