Pressure in Ears & Vertigo

Vertigo is characterized by the onset of patient dizziness. Vertigo can be subjective or objective. Objective vertigo is when other objects or the surroundings feel like they are spinning. Subjective vertigo is when a patient feels like she is spinning. Vertigo most likely occurs due to problems with the inner ear, often pressure placed on a certain area.

Inner Ear and Balance

• The inner ear contains fluid, and within the fluid rests a nerve that is connected to the balance and perception portion of the brain. The fluid is able to give the nerve an indication of movement and the message is sent to the brain. This occurs within the labyrinth of the ear. If there is an infection or pressure in this portion of the ear it can cause vertigo.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPBV)

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is caused by debris or "ear rocks" collecting in part of the inner ear. These ear rocks are a buildup of calcium carbonate. The ear rocks cannot break down, and build up pressure in the ear, causing the person to feel dizzy.

Ménière disease

• Ménière disease is a condition where an increased amount of pressure in the labyrinth due to fluid can cause one of the regions to burst, causing the liquid to move to a different part of the ear, creating the onset of vertigo.

Vestibular Neuritis

• Vestibular neuritis is caused by the swelling of the vestibular nerve, which puts pressure on part of the inner ear. The pressure against the nerve from the swelling causes people to feel dizzy.

External Forces

• Pressure due to external forces can cause vertigo. If a person is constantly changing altitudes, the air pressure in his ear becomes out of balance and the constant change of pressure will cause vertigo. This is a rare condition characterized by the onset of vertigo due to external and internal changes in pressure or even noise. This is known as Tullio's Phenomenon.