When does Vertigo occur?

Vertigo occurs when an imbalance or disturbance in vestibular function exists anywhere in the peripheral or central vestibular system (ie, labyrinth, vestibular nerve, brain stem, cerebellum, cortex). The etiology of vertigo includes familial, infectious, neoplastic, metabolic, toxic, vascular, autoimmune, and traumatic causes. Distinguishing the site and cause of the lesion resulting in vertigo is important because some causes of central vertigo can be life threatening and require immediate attention.