Definition: The sensation of movement; a sensation as if the external world were revolving around an individual (objective vertigo) or as if the individual were revolving in space (subjective vertigo). It is a result of a disturbance of equilibrium. It can be caused by middle ear disease; toxic conditions caused by silicylates, alcohol or the antibiotic streptomycin; sunstroke; postural hypotension; or toxemia caused by such things as food poisoning or infections.
Pronunciation: ver-ti'go
Also Known As: dizziness; lighheadedness; giddiness
Common Misspellings: vertego
Examples: Bob experienced vertigo when he got up from bed this morning and fell.
