treating dizziness can be described as a feeling of spinning or dizziness that can alter your balance and spatial orientation. Vertigo is a common symptom with various underlying causes that are broadly classified into peripheral and central causes. Knowing the vertigo-related causes aids in diagnosing and treating vertigo in a way that is effective.
Peripheral Causes
The majority of cases of vertigo are caused by peripheral causes that affect the inner ear as well as its associated structures.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is one of the most prevalent vertigo causes. It happens when tiny calcium carbonate crystals, referred to as the otoconia, break off from their usual location in the inner ear and move to the semicircular canals. The displacement causes disruption to the normal flow of fluid through the canals, leading to abnormal signals sent to the brain, which results in a spinning sensation.
Meniere’s Disease: This condition is characterised by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a feeling of fullness in the inner ear. Meniere’s disease is believed to be linked to an abnormal accumulation of fluid inside the ear, though the exact cause behind this fluid buildup is not completely understood.
Vestibular Neuritis type of condition causes an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for sending data about the balance of the ear’s inner part to the brain. The inflammation is often caused by a viral infection, which can cause sudden and severe vertigo. It can also be accompanied by nausea or an imbalance.
Labyrinthitis: It is an inflammation or infection of the labyrinth structure within the inner ear that helps control equilibrium and hear. It is often caused by viral or bacterial infections, and can be accompanied by vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
Central Causes
Central causes of vertigo originate from problems within the brain or central nervous system.
Migrainous Vertigo is also known as vestibular migraine, this type of vertigo is associated with migraine headaches. It may occur with or without a headache and is characterized by recurrent vertigo episodes that are accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and sound.
The stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, can cause vertigo if it impacts the parts of the brain that are responsible for balance and coordination. Vertigo caused by stroke can be sudden and be associated with other symptoms such as severe headache and numbness. It can also cause difficulty speaking or feeling weak to one or the other side.
The condition is known as Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is a chronic disease which affects central nerves, which can lead to a myriad of symptoms including vertigo. It is caused by degeneration of the myelin sheath that can interfere with neuro signals that are related to balance.
The brain is a place of growth. Tumors of the brain, specifically that are located in the areas that control balance and coordination, can cause vertigo. The symptoms may differ based on the tumor’s size and location and can include persistent dizziness, imbalance, and neurological problems.
Conclusion
Vertigo is a symptom that can be complex that has a variety of causes. Though peripheral cause are the most frequent, central causes should not be overlooked particularly if vertigo is associated with other neurological symptoms. If you experience vertigo, it is important to seek a medical examination to identify the root causes and seek an appropriate treatment. Knowing the causes that could be causing vertigo can guide effective management and enhance your quality of life.