In inner ear barotrauma, how does vertigo typically behave?

• A. It may improve or worsen depending on head position
• B. It is constant and unaffected by head position
• C. It only occurs when diving at depth
• D. It always resolves without treatment

Answer: (A)

Vertigo after inner ear barotrauma arises from irritation or injury to the vestibular organs of the labyrinth caused by rapid pressure changes. Because the vestibular system detects head position and motion, the resulting dizziness often shifts with how you position your head. In practice, symptoms may improve when you move into certain postures and worsen in others, and episodes can be triggered or amplified by position changes or head movements. This pattern isn’t tied to being underwater or at depth, and it isn’t guaranteed to vanish on its own—some cases require rest, avoidance of further pressure exposure, and medical management.