Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or moving when you're actually still. It can be a very unsettling and disorienting experience. Vertigo is often caused by a problem with the inner ear, which helps us with balance. However, it can also be caused by other problems, such as brain tumors, strokes, and certain medications.
The most common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear get dislodged and move into the fluid-filled canals of the ear. This can cause the sensation of spinning or moving, especially when you change head positions. BPPV is usually treated with a simple maneuver called the Epley maneuver, which helps to reposition the crystals.
If you're experiencing vertigo, it's important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause.
What Causes Vertigo
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or moving when you're actually still. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Inner ear problems
- Brain tumors
- Strokes
- Certain medications
- Head injuries
- Multiple sclerosis
- Ménière's disease
- Vestibular neuritis
- Labyrinthitis
- Migraines
If you're experiencing vertigo, it's important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Inner Ear Problems
The inner ear is a complex system of fluid-filled canals and chambers that help us with balance and hearing. Problems with the inner ear can cause vertigo, as well as other symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and nausea.
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear get dislodged and move into the fluid-filled canals of the ear. This can cause the sensation of spinning or moving, especially when you change head positions. BPPV is usually treated with a simple maneuver called the Epley maneuver, which helps to reposition the crystals.
- Ménière's disease
Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The exact cause of Ménière's disease is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a buildup of fluid in the inner ear.
- Vestibular neuritis
Vestibular neuritis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance. Vestibular neuritis can cause sudden, severe vertigo, as well as nausea and vomiting. It is often caused by a viral infection.
- Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the labyrinth, which is the part of the inner ear that contains the vestibular and auditory systems. Labyrinthitis can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. It is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
These are just a few of the inner ear problems that can cause vertigo. If you're experiencing vertigo, it's important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Brain Tumors
Brain tumors can cause vertigo by affecting the parts of the brain that are responsible for balance. These parts of the brain include the cerebellum, brainstem, and vestibular nuclei. Brain tumors can also cause other symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and vision problems.
The type of vertigo caused by a brain tumor depends on the location and size of the tumor. For example, a tumor in the cerebellum may cause vertigo that is worse when you walk or move your head. A tumor in the brainstem may cause constant vertigo, as well as nausea and vomiting. A tumor in the vestibular nuclei may cause vertigo that is accompanied by hearing loss and tinnitus.
Brain tumors are a relatively rare cause of vertigo, but they are important to consider, especially if you have other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or vision problems. If you're experiencing vertigo and you're concerned that it may be caused by a brain tumor, see a doctor right away.
Treatment for vertigo caused by a brain tumor depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and medications.
If you're experiencing vertigo, it's important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Brain tumors are a relatively rare cause of vertigo, but they are important to consider, especially if you have other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or vision problems.
Strokes
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted. Strokes can cause a variety of symptoms, including vertigo, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, and vision problems.
- Ischemic stroke
Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke. They occur when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain. Ischemic strokes can cause vertigo, as well as other symptoms such as weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, and vision problems.
- Hemorrhagic stroke
Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes, but they are often more severe. Hemorrhagic strokes can cause vertigo, as well as other symptoms such as a sudden, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, and seizures.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
A TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. TIAs are often called "mini-strokes." Symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke, but they usually go away within a few minutes. TIAs are a warning sign that you are at risk for a stroke. If you experience a TIA, see a doctor right away.
- Posterior circulation stroke
A posterior circulation stroke is a stroke that occurs in the back of the brain. Posterior circulation strokes are less common than strokes that occur in the front of the brain. Posterior circulation strokes can cause vertigo, as well as other symptoms such as vision problems, difficulty swallowing, and dizziness.
Strokes are a serious medical emergency. If you think someone is having a stroke, call for emergency medical help right away. Early treatment can help to improve the chances of a good recovery.
Certain Medications
Certain medications can cause vertigo as a side effect. These medications include:
- Antibiotics, such as gentamicin, streptomycin, and tobramycin
- Anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin and carbamazepine
- Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and imipramine
- Antihistamines, such as meclizine and diphenhydramine
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin
- Diuretics, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide
- Lithium
- Sedatives, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates
If you're experiencing vertigo and you're taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication that is less likely to cause vertigo.
In some cases, vertigo caused by medication may go away on its own after a few days or weeks. However, if your vertigo is severe or persistent, see a doctor right away.
If you're experiencing vertigo, it's important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Certain medications can cause vertigo as a side effect, so be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications you're taking.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can cause vertigo by damaging the inner ear or the parts of the brain that are responsible for balance. Head injuries can also cause other symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and memory loss.
The severity of vertigo caused by a head injury depends on the severity of the injury. Mild head injuries may cause only mild vertigo that goes away on its own within a few days or weeks. More severe head injuries can cause severe vertigo that lasts for months or even years.
There are a number of things that can increase your risk of developing vertigo after a head injury, including:
- Being involved in a motor vehicle accident
- Falling from a height
- Being struck in the head with a blunt object
- Participating in contact sports
- Having a history of migraines
If you experience vertigo after a head injury, see a doctor right away. Treatment for vertigo caused by a head injury depends on the severity of the injury and the underlying cause of the vertigo.
If you're experiencing vertigo, it's important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Head injuries can cause vertigo, so be sure to tell your doctor about any head injuries you've had, even if they were mild.