Causes of Vertigo

For many people, vertigo is more than a slight lightheadedness experienced when looking down from great heights. Episodes of vertigo can occur for no apparent reason, causing a severe sensation of dizziness, affecting the ability to eat and, in some cases, making it difficult to get out of bed for several days.

Definition

• Merriam Webster defines vertigo as "a sensation of motion which is associated with various disorders (as of the inner ear) and in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily."

Symptoms

• Symptoms of vertigo can occur without warning or apparent reason, ranging from a slight sensation of dizziness to the sensation and appearance of the room and surrounding objects spinning. The dizziness or spinning can make it difficult to change positions or stand and can trigger nausea or vomiting. The episodes can be brief or last for several days.

Common Causes

• Vertigo can be a result of several different conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, common causes are migraines, an inflammation the inner ear, or an excessive buildup of fluid within the inner ear, known as Meniere's disease. It also can be caused from a condition known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which brings on intense vertigo after a change in the position of the head, such as sitting up or rolling over in bed. Although no one knows why it happens, BPPV is caused when loose particles of calcium carbonate fall into the wrong areas of the inner ear. This triggers sensors within the ear, causing an episode of vertigo.

Uncommon Causes

• There are less common causes of vertigo, including benign growths in the inner ear. Other conditions that can cause vertigo include strokes, multiple scleroses, heart problems, hemorrhages and low blood pressure. In addition, vertigo sometimes can be caused from an adverse interaction with medications.

Treatment

• According to Dr. Michael Jacewicz, there are medications that can be prescribed to treat vertigo, including a Scopolamine patch. Dr. Huai Y. Cheng explains that a series of exercises, known as canalith repositioning, can help dislodge the calcium particles stuck within the inner ear. These exercises are done by a health professional, but can be taught to the patient for future episodes of vertigo.

Warning

• Although most causes of vertigo are benign there are times when a doctor should be seen immediately. This includes if you experience severe or unusual headache, blurred vision, hearing loss, speech problems, weakness in the arm or leg, fainting, problems with walking, a numbness or tingling sensation, chest pains or a change in the heart rate.