What Is Visual Vertigo?

Visual vertigo is characterized by a balance disorder that is either provoked or aggravated by a specific visual environment. Some people find that supermarkets, driving and moving objects bring about the onset of visual vertigo.

Diagnosis

• Vertigo can be diagnosed easiest in patients with a long history of dizziness. According to the article "Visual Vertigo: Symptom Assessment, Spatial Orientation, and Postural Control" published by Oxford University Press, vestibular neuritis or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is much harder to diagnose.

Eyes, Ears & Nerves

• Problems with the eyes, sensory nerves or inner ear conditions may cause visual vertigo. These problems may include a malfunction in the vestibular system in the ear and abnormal eye movements.

Positional Vertigo

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo may be the underlying cause of vertigo in some cases. This happens mostly after a change in the position of the head.

Additional Causes

• Meniere's disease, migraines and a drop in blood pressure can also cause visual vertigo. If vertigo persists, it is important to seek medical attention.

Treatment

• Avoiding some foods, reducing stress, getting regular sleep and consistent aerobic exercise will help aid in treating some forms of visual vertigo. A doctor may also recommend some specific exercises to help with vertigo.