vertigo

World seems spinning

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or tilting when you're actually still—the world seems to rotate around you, or you feel yourself rotating within it.

It differs from ordinary dizziness; vertigo specifically involves perceived movement.

The condition often stems from inner ear problems: The doctor diagnosed her vertigo as an inner ear infection.

Figuratively, vertigo describes any disorienting sense of instability: Looking down from the ledge gave me vertigo.

heights

acrophobia

Dread of elevated positions

overlook · balcony · ledge · rooftop · skyscraper · observation deck · glass floor · railing · parapet · drop

vestibular

inner ear

Balance and hearing center

otolith · balance disorder · labyrinthitis · ear infection · tinnitus · hearing loss · ENT · audiologist · nystagmus · equilibrium

symptoms

nausea

Pre-vomiting stomach discomfort

unsteady gait · staggering · stumbling · falling · loss of balance · disorientation · confusion · anxiety · panic · palpitations

dizziness

lightheadedness

Sensation of near-fainting

reeling · swimming · swaying · unsteadiness · disorientation · loss of balance · head rush · swooning · blackout · fainting

motion

spinning

Revolving around an axis

swaying · rocking · falling sensation · vortex · disorientation · visual disturbance · motion sickness · seasickness · car sickness

triggers

head movement

Repositioning of the skull

bending over · stress · dehydration · medication · alcohol · caffeine · sleep deprivation · flickering lights · crowds

Categories
Opposites
physical equilibrium

vertigostability

Resistance to displacement

balance · equilibrium · steadiness · sure-footedness · groundedness

sensory clarity

vertigoorientation

Position relative to surroundings

clarity · clear-headedness · lucidity · spatial awareness · level-headedness

psychological state

vertigocenteredness

State of inner balance

groundedness · composure · equanimity · calm · security

Phrases
Family

vertical, vertiginous, vertigos

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G