What does vertigo generally indicate for a pilot?

Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness or disorientation that can occur when there is a disagreement between the vestibular system (the body's balance sensors) and what the eyes see, especially in flight. For a pilot, this often manifests when there is a contradiction between their perceived orientation and the plane's actual position in space. This can lead to confusion and impaired judgment, particularly in instruments or environments where visual references are limited, such as flying in clouds or at night. Understanding this concept is crucial for pilots to recognize vertigo and manage its effects on flight performance.