Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo is a common, typically non-serious condition caused by the brain misinterpreting or becoming confused about the position of the body. This can be caused by a head injury, ear infection, or inner ear problems. It can also be a symptom of more serious conditions.

There are many symptoms that may accompany vertigo. Symptoms of vertigo always include a spinning or whirling sensation. It may feel as if your environment is moving or spinning while you are staying still, or it may feel as if you are moving or spinning while your environment is staying still.

Dizziness and vertigo are not the same thing. Dizziness is a type of light-headed feeling that is mild in nature. Vertigo symptoms are more severe, and include the spinning or whirling sensation that is not present with simple dizziness or light-headedness. Other symptoms of vertigo include nausea and a lack of balance. You may find it difficult to stand or walk, and could fall if you attempt to do so before the vertigo passes. To avoid falls, you should immediately sit down if you start to experience vertigo. If you are unable to sit down, grab onto the nearest wall or stationary object and ease yourself to the floor.

Vertigo will typically be experienced after moving quickly, certain head movements, head injuries, standing or sitting too quickly, or tilting the head. It typically lasts less than a minute. Some treatments use repetitive head movements similar to the ones that cause vertigo in an attempt to lessen or cure the condition. Repeatedly moving your head in the way that is causing the vertigo can cause the symptoms to cease for up to four hours.

Severe symptoms of vertigo can include nausea, vomiting, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, or weakness in the arms and legs. These symptoms can sometimes be treated by taking a simple over the counter motion sickness medication. Other vision problems may also occur due to vertigo. Many patients tend to experience "seeing" objects that are stationary moving, bouncing, or jumping.

It is important to understand that some symptoms of vertigo can also point to other, more severe conditions. These conditions include stroke, multiple sclerosis, blood vessel diseases, migraines, menieres disease, or vestibular disorder. Symptoms of vertigo can also appear if you have an ear infection or other inner ear problem, as inner ear issues effect balance, and therefore can cause vertigo. If you have any symptoms of vertigo, you should contact your doctor immediately for a consultation to determine the symptoms and cause of the vertigo, and to ensure that no other, more serious conditions exist.