Vertigo is not a disease but a symptom—a powerful sensation of dizziness or spinning, as if either you or your surroundings are moving when they’re actually still. This unsettling feeling often stems from problems in the vestibular system (the balance center located in your inner ear) or the brain.

Vertigo can begin suddenly or develop gradually. Acute (short-term) cases are often linked to conditions such as ear infections, while long-term (chronic) cases may result from disorders like Ménière’s disease, vestibular migraine, or even a brain tumor. In more serious instances, vertigo can appear after a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Recognizing the signs of vertigo—and understanding when they require medical attention—can help you address underlying health issues early.

Understanding Dizziness

Dizziness is the hallmark symptom of vertigo, but it’s different from ordinary lightheadedness.

  • Vertigo dizziness feels like spinning or movement, even when you’re standing still.

  • Lightheadedness, on the other hand, feels like you’re about to faint or lose balance.

Doctors classify vertigo into two main types: peripheral vertigo (caused by inner ear problems) and central vertigo (caused by issues in the brain). Each type has its own pattern of symptoms.

Peripheral Vertigo Symptoms

Peripheral vertigo accounts for about 80% of all vertigo cases and usually develops suddenly. It occurs when the inner ear—responsible for balance and spatial awareness—becomes irritated or inflamed.

Common symptoms include:

  • Intense dizziness or spinning sensation

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Difficulty focusing your eyes or feeling like your vision is moving

  • Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

  • Problems with balance or coordination

  • Sweating during episodes

Peripheral vertigo can be triggered by conditions such as labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)—which occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear shift out of place.

Central Vertigo Symptoms

Central vertigo is less common but typically more serious, as it originates from the brain—particularly areas that control balance and coordination, such as the cerebellum or brainstem.

It can be caused by conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, tumors, seizures, or vestibular migraine.

Common symptoms of central vertigo include:

  • Dizziness or unsteady feeling

  • Double vision or vision changes

  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing

  • Numbness or weakness in the face or limbs

  • Headache or pressure in the head

  • Sensitivity to light or sound

Because central vertigo may indicate a neurological disorder, symptoms often require immediate medical evaluation.

Vertigo in Children

Vertigo is rare in children, but when it occurs, the symptoms are similar to those in adults—dizziness, imbalance, or nausea.

The most frequent causes in children include:

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Triggered by quick head movements

  • Vestibular migraine: Often seen in children with a family history of migraines

While vertigo in children is usually not life-threatening, persistent or severe symptoms should always be checked by a pediatrician.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

Occasional mild vertigo may occur after a cold, ear infection, or mild illness, but persistent or worsening symptoms require medical care.

See a healthcare provider if you:

  • Experience vertigo that lasts for several days or keeps coming back

  • Recently had a head injury

  • Struggle to walk, drive, or perform daily activities due to dizziness

  • Fall or lose balance because of vertigo

Seek emergency medical help immediately if vertigo is accompanied by:

  • Sudden vision changes or double vision

  • Slurred speech

  • Severe or sudden headache

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs

These symptoms may signal a stroke or other neurological emergency, and early treatment is critical.

Living With Vertigo

While vertigo can be alarming, identifying the underlying cause makes treatment possible. Some people recover within days, while others need long-term management through vestibular therapy, medication, or lifestyle adjustments.

Learning to recognize your triggers—such as dehydration, rapid head movements, or stress—can help reduce episodes.

A Quick Review

Vertigo is a symptom, not a disease, caused by issues in the inner ear or brain. It creates an overwhelming sense of spinning or motion, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vision problems, or imbalance.

  • Peripheral vertigo often leads to ear-related symptoms like tinnitus or hearing loss.

  • Central vertigo may cause headaches, speech problems, or weakness due to brain involvement.

If vertigo occurs with neurological symptoms such as slurred speech or vision loss, seek medical attention immediately to rule out serious conditions.