Skip to main content

What Is Vertigo? [Video]

  // Learn what causes dizziness in this new video from Scientific American‘s Instant Egghead series. In this short movie, I explain how your inner ears work to help you balance, orient yourself and see what’s around you in a stable fashion.

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American



On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


Learn what causes dizziness in this new video from Scientific American's Instant Egghead series. In this short movie, I explain how your inner ears work to help you balance, orient yourself and see what's around you in a stable fashion. When your inner ears don't function well, you may stumble, fall, vomit and watch your surroundings gyrate wildly. See this feature in Scientific American Mind on the making of an implanted prosthesis to restore balance and correct dizziness in individuals with inner ear problems.