Vertigo

Vertigo is the specific sensation that either the person or their surroundings are spinning or moving when no actual movement is occurring. It differs from general dizziness, which covers lightheadedness and unsteadiness, in that vertigo involves a clear rotational or directional illusion. Vertigo is most commonly caused by problems in the vestibular system of the inner ear.

The most common cause of episodic vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), in which small calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) become displaced in the semicircular canals and send false movement signals to the brain when the head changes position. Episodes are typically brief but can be disorienting. Other causes of vestibular-origin vertigo include vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, and Meniere's disease.

Vertigo can also originate in the brainstem or cerebellum (central vertigo), which is less common but more serious and requires neurological assessment. Treatment depends on the cause: repositioning maneuvers for BPPV, vestibular rehabilitation, or medication in other cases.