Vertigo

Vertigo

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

By definition, vertigo is a false sensation that you or your surroundings are moving. The sensation is best described as spinning, whirling or moving vertically or horizontally. Vertigo attacks may be constant or sporadic and can last from seconds to days.

Other symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• Abnormal or involuntary eye movements, called nystagmus
• Blurred vision, known as diplopia
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech, called dysarthria
• Difficulty walking, known as ataxic gait
• Fainting or feeling faint
• Hearing loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Other visual disturbances, known as oscillopsia
• Sweating, also known as diaphoresis
• Tinnitus
• Weakness or numbness

Even medical professionals can misinterpret a patient's description of vertigo symptoms. To obtain the correct diagnosis, it's essential to give an accurate description of your symptoms.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated January 26, 2009