What Is Vertigo? Types, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor

What Is Vertigo? Types, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor - Dr. Bartons

If the room suddenly feels like it's spinning when you turn your head or stand up, you may be experiencing vertigo. It can be unsettling — but understanding what it is, and what's usually behind it, can help you feel more in control.

Vertigo isn't the same as feeling "dizzy"

People often use "dizzy" for several different feelings. Vertigo is a specific one: a false sense that you — or the room around you — is spinning or moving when it isn't. That's different from lightheadedness (feeling faint) or general unsteadiness. Vertigo usually comes from the inner ear, the part of the body most responsible for balance, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

Common types and causes

  • BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) is the most common cause. Tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear shift out of place, triggering brief, intense spinning when you move your head a certain way.
  • Inner-ear inflammation (such as vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis), often following a viral illness.
  • Ménière's disease, which can pair vertigo with hearing changes.
  • Vestibular migraine, where vertigo accompanies migraine patterns.

You can read more about these on MedlinePlus (NIH).

Symptoms people describe

Spinning or swaying, a feeling of being pulled to one side, nausea, and trouble keeping your balance. Episodes may last seconds or longer, and certain head positions often trigger them.

Common vertigo symptoms: spinning, nausea, and imbalance

 

When to see a doctor

Occasional, brief dizziness is common, but some symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. Seek care — and call emergency services for sudden, severe symptoms — if vertigo comes with a severe headache, double vision, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, trouble walking, chest pain, or sudden hearing loss. Recurring or worsening vertigo should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional, who can identify the cause and recommend the right approach.

Everyday comfort

Many people find that moving slowly when changing position, staying hydrated, and keeping a steady daily routine helps. Some also keep a non-drowsy botanical on hand for occasional dizziness and motion comfort.

Dr. Barton's Dizzy Stop® is a physician-formulated, non-drowsy botanical made with ginger root and grape seed extract — for occasional dizziness, balance, and motion comfort.

Learn About Dizzy Stop

This article is for general education and isn't medical advice. If you have recurring or worsening symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Dizzy Stop is a dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Back to blog