Vertigo may last for only a few moments or may continue for hours or even days. The body senses position and controls balance through organs of equilibrium located in the inner ear. These organs have nerve connections to specific areas of the brain. Vertigo can be caused by abnormalities in the ear, in the nerves connecting the ear to the brain, or in the brain itself. Vertigo may also be related to vision problems or to sudden changes in blood pressure.
Many conditions can affect the inner ear and cause vertigo.
These conditions include infection with bacteria or viruses, tumors, abnormal pressure, nerve inflammation, or toxic substances. Skull fracture with injury to the labyrinth, its nerve, or both Brain tumors Tumor compressing the vestibular nerve The most common cause of vertigo is motion sickness, which may develop in anyone whose inner ear is sensitive to particular motions, such as swaying or sudden stops and starts. Such people may feel especially dizzy in a moving car or a rocking boat. Episodes usually last from several minutes to several hours and are often accompanied by severe nausea and vomiting. The cause is unknown.