What is vertigo?

Vertigo is specifically characterized as a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often described by individuals as feeling as though they or their environment is moving or rotating around them. This symptom is primarily related to issues within the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial awareness. Conditions such as inner ear disorders, vestibular neuritis, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) often lead to vertigo.

Understanding vertigo as a distinct experience of movement helps differentiate it from other sensations such as dizziness or lightheadedness, which can have various causes but do not typically involve the same spinning sensation. The focus on vertigo emphasizes its unique nature and connection to the vestibular system, making it a specific type of dizziness that has significant implications for an individual's balance and stability.