Vertigo, dizziness or problems with balance may be caused by the balance organ in the inner ear. Other problems that may cause dizziness or balance problems include medications, stress, depression, strokes, tumors, high blood pressure, breathing or heart problems. Careful evaluation and testing can often determine the cause of the dizziness or balance problem. In most cases a specific plan of treatment can be made to prevent or eliminate the vertigo. Other treatment plans can reduce the dizziness or help the patient compensate for the balance problem.

Vertigo, attacks of spinning or whirling, are often caused by problems in the inner ear. These attacks may or may not be associated with changes in hearing. Meniere's disease is a specific type of vertigo attack. There are a number of treatment options including surgery for patients with Meniere's depending on the frequency of the vertigo attacks and hearing: this may include diet changes, medications, or surgery. Other types of vertigo may be precipitated by changes in position or other injury or infection of the inner ear. Medications and specific treatment plans can control vertigo in most cases. In some cases physical therapy or surgery may be required.