What term describes the sensation of spinning or swaying while the body is not moving?

The term that describes the sensation of spinning or swaying while the body is not moving is known as vertigo. This condition is distinct in that it specifically refers to an illusion of movement, often described as feeling like either you or your surroundings are in motion when, in reality, there is no actual movement occurring.

Vertigo typically stems from issues with the inner ear, brain, or sensory nerve pathways, leading to this disorienting experience. It's important to note that while dizziness is a broader term that can encompass various sensations, such as unsteadiness or faintness, vertigo specifically relates to the feeling of rotation or spinning.

In contrast, lightheadedness describes a feeling of faintness or near fainting, which is different from the spinning sensation of vertigo. Nausea, while it can accompany vertigo, describes the sensation that one might vomit rather than the specific sensation of movement. Understanding the distinctions among these terms is key in accurately describing and diagnosing symptoms related to balance and spatial orientation.