For many people vertigo is infrequent, triggered by a roller coaster ride at an amusement park in 8th grade, or a head cold that must have affected the ears as well. Symptoms are terrible, but can be fairly short lived. Maybe lasting a day or two or three.

Yes, roller coasters can trigger vertigo or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) in susceptible individuals. Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, and it is caused by a disruption in the vestibular system of the inner ear. The intense G-forces, rapid rotations, and sudden changes in orientation on a coaster can cause tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear to become dislodged and move into the semi-circular canals, sending false "movement" signals to the brain. This can result in lingering dizziness or nausea that lasts for several days after the ride. Recent medical studies have also noted that people with a history of migraines are more likely to experience "post-coaster" dizziness. If you are prone to inner ear issues, doctors often recommend choosing rides with fewer inversions or focusing on the horizon during the ride to help your brain process the conflicting motion signals.