Vertigo is a symptom rather than a standalone condition and results from issues in the inner ear or brain that affect balance and spatial awareness. It is often described as a spinning sensation and is commonly confused with acrophobia, the fear of heights.

The main symptom of vertigo is a spinning sensation that is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Additional signs may include tinnitus, hearing loss, eye focus issues, instability, and specific neurological symptoms like double vision and slurred speech, depending on the type and cause of vertigo.

Vertigo is diagnosed through a series of examinations and maneuvers to identify its causes and involves tests for eyes, ears, and balance. If necessary, additional tests (such as CT scans, MRI scans, EEG, ENG, or blood tests) may be conducted to clarify the symptoms' origins.

Medical treatments for vertigo depend on the underlying cause, and common approaches include the Epley maneuver (a head movement used to reset the balance organs in the inner ear), medications like meclizine for symptom relief, and antibiotics or vestibular rehabilitation for labyrinthitis. Additional treatments may involve steroids, benzodiazepines, or triptans for migraine-related vertigo.

Riboflavin and coenzyme Q10 have shown promise in reducing migraine attacks, including vestibular migraines that cause vertigo. Additionally, ginger may help with nausea, but studies on vitamin D and calcium for preventing the recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo have yielded inconsistent results, indicating a need for further research.

Diet may influence vertigo in specific cases, such as Ménière’s disease, for which low-salt and other dietary interventions are considered, though their effectiveness is debated among clinicians. Additionally, a study suggests a potential association between inadequate nutrient intake and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in older adults, but overall, more research is needed to establish clear dietary guidelines for vertigo.

Treatment for vertigo varies based on the specific condition diagnosed and may include at-home physical exercises to improve balance and strength. To manage symptoms during an attack, the guidance is to stay still, avoid sudden movements, rest, and limit exposure to bright lights and reading.

Vertigo can be caused by various factors, including inner-ear issues like neuronitis, vestibular nerve problems, medications, head injuries, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) for peripheral vertigo. Central vertigo may result from conditions such as blood vessel disease, inadequate blood supply to the brain, certain medications, alcohol consumption, head injuries, and vestibular migraines.