Contents
Vertigo: When Your World Starts Spinning
Published: Sep 08, 2024
Vertigo is a dizzy sensation that makes you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning. It's more than just feeling a little woozy - vertigo can be quite disruptive to daily life.
What Causes That Spinning Feeling?
Vertigo occurs when there's a problem with the vestibular system in your inner ear, which controls balance. Common causes include inner ear infections, migraines, or little calcium crystals that get loose in the ear canals. Less often, vertigo can be due to more serious issues like strokes or tumors affecting the brain.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
The main symptom of vertigo is a false sense of spinning or movement. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, headaches, or ringing in the ears. Some people also experience nystagmus - rapid, uncontrollable eye movements. Vertigo can last anywhere from a few seconds to several days.
When to Seek Medical Help
While vertigo is often harmless, you should see a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other neurological symptoms like slurred speech or weakness on one side. Sudden, severe vertigo with hearing loss is a medical emergency. Your doctor can perform tests to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly - vertigo specifically involves a spinning sensation.
Many cases resolve on their own or with treatment of the underlying cause.
BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) from inner ear crystals.
The Bottom Line
While vertigo can be unsettling, understanding its causes and symptoms can help you know when to seek care.
References
- Baloh RW. Vestibular Neuritis. N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1027-1032.
- Furman JM, Cass SP. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. N Engl J Med 1999; 341:1590-1596.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?