What is pressure vertigo?

Pressure vertigo is a type of disequilibrium caused by changes in pressure within the middle ear, specifically related to the Eustachian tube's ability to equalize pressure. When there is a difference in pressure between the middle ear and the external environment, it can lead to sensations of vertigo or a feeling of unsteadiness. This phenomenon commonly occurs in situations like ascending or descending in an aircraft, where rapid changes in altitude can affect the pressure in the middle ear.

The other options address different aspects of balance and motion. A type of motion sickness experienced during flight typically involves nausea and dizziness due to the effects of acceleration and changes in orientation, rather than pressure differences in the ear. A condition caused by extreme altitude typically refers to altitude sickness, which involves symptoms related to oxygen deprivation rather than direct effects on ear pressure. Temporary imbalance during sudden turns is more related to the vestibular system's response to rapid head movements rather than a direct effect of pressure changes on the inner ear. Thus, the correct understanding of pressure vertigo aligns closely with the dynamics of middle ear pressure changes.