Vertigo differs from dizziness in the sense that vertigo describes more an illusion of movement either perceived as “subjective” when you feel as if you yourself are moving or “objective” when it feels as if the surroundings are the one moving. Vertigo always has the sensation of motion, and should not be confused with fainting or lightheadedness although they are almost similar.


  • Loss of balance, a sensation of movement either by you or the surroundings
  • Nausea, vomiting, symptoms of lightheadedness
  • Walking properly, standing, instabilities
  • Blurred vision, earache as vertigo might be commonly associated to signs of a brain or ear disease as well as head injury


Vertigo can be caused by inner ear or brain problems. They are caused but not limited to the following:

1. BPPV or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo — characterized by sudden head movements, or the head’s inclination to a certain direction; rarely serious and can be treated.

2. Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis — inflammation within the inner ear which may also result to hearing loss; caused sometimes by viral, bacterial or inner ear infection.

3. Meniere’s disease — usually comes in a triad of symptoms, vertigo, ringing in the ears or tinnitus and then hearing loss.

4. Acoustic neuroma — type of tumor in the nerve or nervous tissues which induces a type of one-sided ringing and hearing loss.

5. Decreased blood flow — a sudden lack or cut in the flow of blood especially to the base of the brain, bleeding, which causes a sudden headache and the victim’s eyes would gaze away from the side with the problem.

6. Head trauma — or an existing head injury (See Head Injury) that may need to be treated.

7. Migraine — a severe form of headache.

8. Diabetes, Arteriosclerosis and other diseases — complications from such can and may also decrease the blood flow to the brain, causing vertigo.

Self-help and First Aid

Sometimes, with the brain gradually learning to cope or as the problems of the inner ear ceases, Vertigo is likely to fade on its own, but in the case that it doesn’t, or if it worsens, it is best to seek medical advice and help.

1. During a vertigo attack, lying still in a darkened room with some peace and quiet can help ease symptoms especially if you are already beginning to feel nauseous.

2. Avoid stressful situations like anxiety which is known to worsen Vertigo attacks.

3. Avoid bending down, or extending neck. If you want to sleep, sleep with your head slightly raised on two or even more pillows.

4. When you wake up in the mornings, do so slowly and sit up first and relax before standing up completely.

5. This will also be a good preventive, especially if you have to do activities, move your head carefully and slowly.

6. Additional treatments might have to be done as well as tests, so, if your Vertigo symptoms get worse overtime, consult a doctor. That way, you can be certain that no other complications might arise. Ask a physician as well as to what medications you can and cannot take. It always pays to be certain.

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