Vertigo, a symptom of a balance disorder, is the illusion of movement when no movement is present. This can be caused by a problem of the inner ear balance mechanisms, or by a problem in the brain. While usually harmless, vertigo can be a sign of a serious condition if accompanied by difficulty in speaking or walking, severe headaches, or double vision. Even when no other symptoms are present, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor. The same is true if the episodes worsen over time or if new symptoms appear.

Common causes of vertigo include the following:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV, which is caused by an inner ear problem and is the most common cause of vertigo. BPPV is characterized by sudden and severe episodes that are nonetheless not serious.
• Inflammation or infection of the inner ear, which can lead to hearing loss if not treated immediately.
• Certain serious medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis and head or neck trauma.
• Cerebellar hemorrhages, which cause vertigo because of decreased blood flow to the brain. In this case, vertigo is accompanied by more serious symptoms, such as difficulty walking and vision impairments.
• Meniere disease, which often also causes ringing in the ear.
• Severe migraines.

To diagnose vertigo, a physician may perform a series of tests. The most common diagnostic tests are a hearing examination, an electronystagmography or test of the vestibular system, and cat scans of the brain. Some clinics have the ability to use a posturography, a special swaying platform on which the patient tries to maintain equilibrium. Special machines record the response of the body and then compare it to that of an individual without vertigo.

Individual treatment for vertigo varies depending on the cause and the severity of the episodes. If the cause of vertigo is a bacterial infection of the middle ear, the problem can easily be treated with antibiotics. In more serious cases, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may recommend surgery. Several medications can be taken by mouth, IV, or a skin patch to deal with vertigo. These include Benadryl, Valium, and Phenergan.

The most common treatment for vertigo, however, is the use of several physical maneuvers, known as vestibular rehabilitation exercises, in which the patient lies down on a table on one side until the episode of vertigo passes. The patient then switches to the other side quickly. The movement is repeated until no vertigo is felt.