Vertigo

Vertigo is the false sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, even while standing still. It can last for seconds or persist for days, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, imbalance, or abnormal eye movements.

• Inner ear problems:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – triggered by head position changes.

Meniere’s disease – excess fluid in the inner ear.

Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis – inflammation due to infection.

• Neurological causes: Migraine, stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors (rare).
• Medications: Certain antibiotics (aminoglycosides), anticonvulsants, diuretics.
• Risk factors: Older age, history of head trauma, cardiovascular risk factors, family history of vestibular disorders.

Seek urgent evaluation if vertigo is sudden and severe, or accompanied by:

• Weakness or numbness in the face or limbs
• Trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Double vision or sudden vision loss
• Severe headache or difficulty walking

These may be signs of stroke or other serious neurological conditions.