Wiki Vertigo

Common causes of vertigo

Common Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness or spinning, and it can result from a variety of underlying health conditions. These causes can be broadly categorized into issues related to the inner ear (peripheral vertigo) or the central nervous system (central vertigo). Here’s an overview of the most common causes of vertigo:

Peripheral Causes of Vertigo

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
   • Description: BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) become dislodged from their normal location in the utricle and migrate into the semicircular canals of the inner ear. This disrupts the flow of fluid in the canals, which leads to incorrect signals being sent to the brain about head movement and position.
   • Symptoms: Sudden, brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific changes in head position, such as turning over in bed, looking up, or bending down.
2. Meniere’s Disease
   • Description: Meniere’s disease is a chronic disorder of the inner ear characterized by an abnormal amount of fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear. The exact cause is not well understood, but it results in a disturbance of the balance and hearing mechanisms.
   • Symptoms: Recurrent episodes of vertigo that last from 20 minutes to several hours, accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
3. Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
   • Description: Vestibular neuritis is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, and labyrinthitis is inflammation of both the vestibular nerve and the inner ear (labyrinth). These conditions are often caused by viral infections, such as a cold or flu.
   • Symptoms: Sudden onset of severe vertigo, which can last for several days. Vestibular neuritis typically does not affect hearing, while labyrinthitis may be associated with hearing loss.
4. Perilymph Fistula
   • Description: A perilymph fistula is an abnormal opening between the middle ear and the inner ear, often caused by trauma (such as head injury, barotrauma from scuba diving, or sudden pressure changes) or as a result of surgery.
   • Symptoms: Vertigo that is triggered by changes in pressure (e.g., sneezing, coughing, lifting heavy objects) or physical activity, often accompanied by hearing loss.
5. Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
   • Description: An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that develops on the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. As the tumor grows, it can press on the nerve and affect balance and hearing.
   • Symptoms: Gradual onset of vertigo, hearing loss on one side, and possibly tinnitus and facial numbness.

Central Causes of Vertigo

1. Migrainous Vertigo (Vestibular Migraine)
   • Description: Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that causes vertigo, even in the absence of a headache. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to abnormal brain activity or changes in blood flow to the brain.
   • Symptoms: Episodes of vertigo lasting minutes to hours, often accompanied by other migraine symptoms such as sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.
2. Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
   • Description: A stroke or TIA occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to damage in areas that control balance, such as the brainstem or cerebellum. Vertigo can be a symptom of a stroke, especially if the stroke affects the brain’s balance centers.
   • Symptoms: Sudden onset of vertigo, often with other neurological symptoms such as weakness, difficulty speaking, double vision, or loss of coordination.
3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
   • Description: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system by causing the immune system to attack the protective covering (myelin) of nerve fibers. This can lead to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.
   • Symptoms: Vertigo may be one of the many neurological symptoms of MS, along with muscle weakness, vision problems, and numbness.
4. Brain Tumors
   • Description: Tumors located in the brainstem or cerebellum, which are areas involved in balance, can cause vertigo. These tumors can be benign or malignant.
   • Symptoms: Gradual onset of vertigo, often accompanied by headaches, vision changes, difficulty walking, or other neurological symptoms.
5. Head Trauma
   • Description: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can damage the areas of the brain or inner ear involved in balance, leading to vertigo.
   • Symptoms: Vertigo following a head injury, often accompanied by headaches, confusion, and other symptoms depending on the severity of the injury.

Other Causes of Vertigo

1. Medication Side Effects
   • Description: Certain medications can cause vertigo as a side effect. These include some antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin), diuretics, anticonvulsants, and medications that affect blood pressure or the central nervous system.
   • Symptoms: Vertigo that develops after starting a new medication, often accompanied by other side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, or changes in blood pressure.
2. Inner Ear Disorders
   • Description: Conditions such as otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the ear) or cholesteatoma (a non-cancerous skin growth in the middle ear) can affect the inner ear’s ability to function properly and lead to vertigo.
   • Symptoms: Vertigo, hearing loss, and sometimes tinnitus.

Conclusion

Vertigo can arise from a variety of causes, with the most common being issues related to the inner ear (peripheral vertigo) or the central nervous system (central vertigo). Proper diagnosis is essential to determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment. If someone experiences recurrent or severe vertigo, particularly with additional symptoms like hearing loss or neurological changes, they should seek medical evaluation to identify the cause and receive the necessary care.

 The Vertigo And Dizziness Program™ By Christian Goodman Vertigo and Dizziness Program is a designed to help stop vertigo and dizziness once and for all. Medical practitioner don’t know the exact cure for this condition but this program will show you exactly what you need to make this painful condition a thing of the past. This program has recommended a set of simple head exercises that help cure this condition.