Acrophobia is defined as a fear of heights. Unlike a specific
phobia like aerophobia -- fear of flying -- and other specific
phobias, acrophobia can cause a person to fear a variety of
things related to being far from the ground. Depending on the
phobia's severity, an acrophobic person may equally fear being
on a high floor of a building or simply climbing a ladder.
Acrophobia and Related Conditions True vertigo is a medical
condition that causes a sensation of spinning and dizziness.
Illyngophobia is a phobia in which the fear of developing
vertigo can actually lead to vertigo-like symptoms. Acrophobia
can induce similar feelings, but the three conditions are not
the same. See a doctor for tests if you experience vertigo
symptoms. Medical tests may include bloodwork, CT scans and
MRIs, which can rule out a variety of neurological conditions.
Bathmophobia, or the fear of slopes and stairs, is sometimes
related to acrophobia. In bathmophobia, you may panic when
viewing a steep slope, even if you have no need t