Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of vertigo?

The correct answer is that a severe headache is not a common symptom of vertigo. Vertigo is primarily characterized by a false sensation of movement or spinning, often accompanied by other symptoms directly related to vestibular function.

The spinning sensation is one of the hallmark symptoms of vertigo, as individuals experience the feeling that they or their surroundings are moving while they are actually stationary. This disorientation can lead to a significant loss of balance, manifesting in difficulty maintaining stability while standing or walking. Nausea is also frequently reported by individuals experiencing vertigo due to the disbalance affecting the inner ear and the brain's interpretation of motion and spatial orientation.

In contrast, while headaches can occur in various conditions, they are not directly associated with the perception of vertigo itself. Conditions like migraines can include vertigo as a symptom, but a headache alone does not indicate that vertigo is present. Thus, identifying severe headache as not a common symptom of vertigo aligns with the clinical understanding of how vertigo manifests.