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Is vertigo serious?

While vertigo itself is not very serious, the feeling of spinning can cause some people to lose their balance and fall over, which may lead to injuries. Vertigo can also be a sign of some serious conditions, including brain disorders.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is a term used to describe a feeling of spinning or dizziness in the head that occurs when the head is moved. Some people with vertigo feel like they are spinning around while their surroundings are staying still. For other people it may feel like their …

What causes vertigo?

There are many different conditions and diseases that can cause vertigo. It is commonly caused by a problem with the inner ear, which is the part of the body that controls balance. Head or neck injuries, migraines, dehydration and some medications can also lead to …

Are there different types of vertigo?

Vertigo can usually be classified into two groups: peripheral vertigo and central vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is caused by a problem with the inner ear, which is the part of your body that controls balance, whereas central vertigo is due to a problem …

How is vertigo diagnosed?

To diagnose vertigo, a doctor will usually ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms, and give you a physical exam. During the physical exam the doctor may check blood pressure and look for problems with vision or abnormal eye movements. They may …

How is vertigo treated?

The treatment for vertigo usually depends on what is causing it and how bad it is. Simple procedures can be performed to reposition inner ear crystals so that they stop causing vertigo. If it is caused by an inner ear infection, then steroids may be useful.

Who gets vertigo?

Vertigo can affect anyone, but women and people who are elderly are more at risk. People who have experienced vertigo before, or who are taking certain medications, including sedatives and medication for high blood pressure, are also more likely to experience vertigo.

What is positional vertigo?

Positional vertigo is when a change in the position of your head causes the sensation of vertigo. This most common form is a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. If someone with this condition lies down with their affected ear toward the floor, …

What is the difference between vertigo and dizziness?

Vertigo is a feeling of spinning when you are actually standing still. Dizziness is a word that is often used to cover a range of symptoms. Some people may describe the sensation of vertigo as feeling dizzy. It is also often used to …

What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common cause of vertigo. It is characterised by a sudden feeling of vertigo when your head moves. This is caused by a problem with the inner ear, which is the part of your body that controls …

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Meniere’s disease

Meniere's disease is a condition of the inner ear that causes attacks of dizziness, loss of balance, ringing and hearing loss. It's thought that a build-up of fluid in the inner ear causes the pressure to rise, disrupting the hearing and balance signals from the inner ear to the brain.…
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Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common disorder of the inner ear. It is also known as postural vertigo or positional vertigo. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is characterised by intense but brief periods of vertigo that happen when moving the head, such as when rising from the bed in the morning. It appears as dizziness, nausea and unsteadiness. It is estimated to affect 2.4%…
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Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular tachycardia is an abnormally rapid heart rhythm that can be in excess of 200 beats per minute. It is caused by an interruption to the heart’s normal electrical circuit. Treatment options aim to restore this electrical activity.…
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Motion sickness

Motion sickness describes the feelings of dizziness and nausea that occur when you’re travelling in a moving vehicle. Your eyes may see the landscape passing by at high speed, while the balance sensors in your inner ear are sensing that you’re sitting still. This confusing information is felt as motion sickness.…

About this article

Author: Lauren Donley BSc (Hons)
First answered: 10 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Votes: 469 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Meniere’s disease

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