What causes vertigo?

ive experienced vertigo and its annoying. mostly i experience it on a high building. i think it plays a big part in my fear of flying. although i have never experienced vertigo on a plane, i feel i am sensitive to heights somehow. is there a medicine i can take to stop this?

just to be clear, it is vertigo, not dizziness. like i am spinning. i have passed out from it and fallen on the ground waiting a few moments for it to pass. feels like i am falling a height and spinning in a tunnel. i cant see anything when it occurs. i dont go in high buildings needless to say. but i was thinking if i knew a medicine, maybe i could take it and it might inadvertently help my fear of flying. thanks.

Vertigo can be caused by problems in the brain or the inner ear.



Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common form of vertigo and is characterized by the sensation of motion initiated by sudden head movements.


Vertigo may also be caused by inflammation within the inner ear. This is known as labyrinthitis. This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of vertigo and may be associated with hearing loss.


Meniere disease is composed of a triad of symptoms: episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss. People have the abrupt onset of severe vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, as well as periods in which they are symptom-free.


Acoustic neuroma is a type of tumor causing vertigo. Symptoms include vertigo with one-sided ringing in the ear and hearing loss.


Vertigo can be caused by decreased blood flow to the brain and base of the brain. Bleeding into the back of the brain is known as cerebellar hemorrhage and is characterized by vertigo, headache, difficulty walking, and inability to look toward the side of the bleed. The result is that the person's eyes gaze away from the side with the problem. Walking is also extremely impaired.


Vertigo is often the presenting symptom in multiple sclerosis. The onset is usually abrupt, and examination of the eyes may reveal the inability of the eyes to move past the midline toward the nose.


Head trauma and neck injury may also result in vertigo, which usually goes away on its own.


Migraine, a severe form of headache, may also cause vertigo. The vertigo is usually followed by a headache. There is often a prior history of similar episodes but no lasting problems.

Vertigo can be caused by problems in the brain or the inner ear.



Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common form of vertigo and is characterized by the sensation of motion initiated by sudden head movements.


Vertigo may also be caused by inflammation within the inner ear. This is known as labyrinthitis. This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of vertigo and may be associated with hearing loss.

Regarding medication---you can go to the pharmacy and ask the pharmacist for MECLIZINE 25mg. It is over the counter so you won't need a perscription. This is good for vertigo, sea sickness, flying etc. It will relax you, so do not drive or drink when taking.
As for the cause of Vertigo.....there are many many causes. You should eventually go get checked by your doc.
I get vertigo but it is due to Menineres Disease. it just comes on unexpectedly.
good luck