US Medical Term · symptoms
Vertigo
Vértigo
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Vertigo |
| Spanish (Español) | Vértigo |
| Chinese (中文) | 眩暈 |
| Korean (한국어) | 현기증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Chóng mặt quay |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Vertigo |
| Portuguese (Português) | Vertigem |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | บ้านหมุน |
| Japanese (日本語) | 回転性めまい |
What it means
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where you feel as if you or the room is spinning or tilting, even while still. The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where tiny crystals in the inner ear shift. Other causes include Meniere's disease, labyrinthitis, and less commonly stroke or brain tumors. Episodes can last seconds to hours. Call 911 if vertigo appears suddenly with double vision, slurred speech, weakness, difficulty walking, or severe headache, as these can be signs of stroke or other serious brain conditions requiring immediate treatment.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I feel like the room is spinning around me even when I am lying still.
Siento que el cuarto gira a mi alrededor aunque esté acostado quieto.
The spinning sensation is worst when I turn my head to one side.
La sensación de giro es peor cuando giro la cabeza hacia un lado.
I feel nauseous and cannot walk straight because of the spinning.
Me siento con náuseas y no puedo caminar recto por el mareo giratorio.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
H81 Disorders of vestibular functionRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026