Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself, and it is the sensation that you or the environment around you is moving or spinning. It can be caused by several different health conditions, including:

• Peripheral vertigo: This is the most common type of vertigo and is often caused by a problem with the balance mechanisms of the inner ear. The most common causes include:

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is one of the most common causes of vertigo and can occur during specific head movements, while standing up or bending over, crossing the road, or turning in bed. BPPV involves short, intense, recurrent attacks of vertigo and may be accompanied by nausea and uncontrollable eye movements (nystagmus).

  • Labyrinthitis: This is an inner ear disorder that can cause vertigo, along with nausea, vomiting, hearing loss, tinnitus, and sometimes a high temperature and ear pain.

  • Vestibular neuronitis: This is an inner ear condition that causes inflammation of the nerve connecting the labyrinth to the brain. In some cases, the labyrinth itself can also be inflamed.

• Central vertigo: This type of vertigo is less common and occurs when there is a problem affecting the brain, such as an infection, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. People with central vertigo usually have more severe symptoms like severe instability or difficulty walking.

Vertigo can also be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abnormal eye movements, headache, sweating, ringing in the ears, or hearing loss. It is important to see a doctor if you experience recurring episodes of vertigo that do not go away on their own, as it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.