A lot of terms can be better understood by understanding the origin of the word. 'Vertigo' is based in Latin: 'vertere', which means "to turn" and 'igo', which signifies a condition. The symptoms of vertigo are the sensations of motion (such as turning) when no movement occurs.

According to WebMD, other symptoms that can occur include, "nausea or vomiting, sweating, abnormal eye movements, hearing loss or ringing in the ears, visual disturbances, weakness, difficulty speaking, decreased level of consciousness, and difficulty walking." The effects can last from a few minutes to several hours.

Besides an interview asking about the above symptoms, some common tests that a doctor may order include a CT scan to look for a brain injury; blood tests to check for blood sugar levels; or an ECG to monitor the heart rhythm.

Some of the usual treatments include antibiotics (if it was caused by an inner ear infection), referral to a surgeon (for a hole in the inner ear), or for Meniere disease, a low salt diet and meds to increase urine output. According to WebMD, common medications prescribed include: Meclizine hydrochloride (Antivert), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Scopolamine transdermal patch, Promethazine hydrochloride (Phenergan), and Diazepam (Valium).

... it's also the title of a fantastic Hitchcock movie.

Vertigo is generally caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain which creates an impairment in the inner ear which governs our balance. Common symptoms include intermittent hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, impaired walking, nausea, and difficulty seeing from the side when moving one's eyes.

First, vertigo can occur from a variety of causes. In less severe cases, vertigo can temporarily occur if someone has caught a cold virus or has strained their neck. Rest and proper self care will generally alleviate this temporary condition.

In more severe cases, a head or neck injury , prolonged stress, Meniere's disease, food poisoning, episodes of migraine headaches, diabetes, tumors and multiple sclerosis can cause vertigo.

Whatever the case may be, if you are experiencing vertigo it is highly advisable to consult your physician and describe your symptoms along with the duration of time wherein they have occurred.

When you have vertigo, you have a sensation either of motion with yourself, or your environment. You will feel the room is spinning. This is not the same as lightheadedness,or fainting.
Vertigo symptoms include:
- nausea or vomiting
- sweating and\or
-abnormal eye movements
It's advisable to report to your Dr. if you have symptoms of vertigo, especially if you have had some sort of trauma, say, whiplash, or if you are taking any new medications.