Definition of Vertigo

Vertigo is a form of dizziness that causes you to feel like you or the objects around you are moving even though you are still. Although rarely dangerous, it can be debilitating and a signal of another underlying problem.

Types

• Subjective vertigo causes you to feel as though you yourself are moving. Objective makes it look like the objects around you are moving. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the most common form, occurs when you move your head suddenly.

Causes

• Vertigo is most commonly caused by damage or infection in the inner ear. It can also be caused by tumors, head injury, multiple sclerosis and migraines.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms are a feeling of disorientation, nausea and vomiting. Vertigo may also cause ringing in the ears and visual disturbances. The symptoms can last from a few minutes to hours. They can also be constant or intermittent.

Tests

• The first part of diagnosis is a complete history. Your doctor will want to know what symptoms you are experiencing, when they started and if there were any injuries preceding them. A CT scan, blood sugar test and an electrocardiogram may also be performed.

Treatment

• Vertigo may be treated with medications, including antibiotics for inner ear infections and Antivert or Benedryl to relieve the symptoms. Nonmedicinal treatments include exercises and chiropractic adjustments.