Vertigo

Overview

Vertigo is a condition in which a person starts feeling unbalanced and dizzy. A person could experience a sense of dizziness or the impression that everything around them is spinning. Vertigo can develop as a result of an inner ear disturbance or from other balance-impairing head and neck problems. The inner ear plays an important role in balancing the head in its position by maintaining pressure on both sides. There are two types of vertigo: peripheral and central. Peripheral vertigo is caused by problems in the inner ear. Central vertigo is caused by a brain or vestibulocochlear nerve defect. These vertigo attacks are frequently brief and don't need any medical attention because they go away on their own. Treatment is necessary, though, if the episodes persist or become so severe that they interfere with the patient's regular activities.