What are the Causes of Vertigo Symptoms?
November 6, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a spinning or whirling sensation. It often feels like you or your surroundings are moving or rotating when, in fact, there is no actual movement. Vertigo can have various causes, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Here are some common causes and symptoms of vertigo:
Causes of Vertigo:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It occurs when small calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged and disrupt the balance system.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: These conditions involve inflammation or infection of the inner ear, which can lead to vertigo, along with symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and hearing loss.
- Meniere’s Disease: Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear condition that can result in recurrent vertigo, along with symptoms like tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
- Migraines: Vestibular migraines are a type of migraine that can cause vertigo as a symptom, often accompanied by severe headache and other neurological symptoms.
- Acoustic Neuroma: This is a noncancerous tumor that can affect the vestibular nerve and cause vertigo, along with hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Medications: Some medications, especially those that affect the inner ear or central nervous system, can cause dizziness and vertigo as side effects.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Traumatic head or neck injuries, such as concussions, can disrupt the balance system and lead to vertigo.
- Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Anxiety and panic attacks can result in dizziness and a spinning sensation, which can mimic vertigo.
Common Symptoms of Vertigo:
- Spinning Sensation: The most characteristic symptom of vertigo is a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when they are not.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Vertigo can often lead to feelings of nausea and vomiting, particularly if the spinning sensation is severe.
- Unsteadiness: Individuals with vertigo may experience a feeling of unsteadiness or imbalance, which can make it difficult to walk or stand.
- Nystagmus: Involuntary, rhythmic eye movements (nystagmus) may occur during a vertigo episode.
- Sweating and Anxiety: Vertigo can be accompanied by sweating and anxiety due to the distressing nature of the symptoms.
The treatment of vertigo depends on its underlying cause. It may involve medications, physical therapy, or other interventions. If you experience recurrent or severe vertigo, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and diagnosis to determine the cause and appropriate treatment options.