How Does a Person Get Vertigo?

Vertigo is a form of dizziness that occurs when someone experiences a disturbance in their balance or equilibrium. It is not a disease itself, but a symptom of some other ailment.

Types of Feelings

• The feelings associated with vertigo are characterized by two feelings: the sensation of movement, which is called subjective vertigo; and the perception of movement, which is objective vertigo.

Features

• When your head is in motion, signals are sent to an apparatus in the inner ear called the labyrinth. They are then transported through nerves to the brainstem and cerebellum, which are areas of the brain that control balance, among other functions. Vertigo occurs when this process is disturbed.

Causes

• There are many causes of vertigo, including inflammation of the inner ear, decreased blood flow to the base of the brain, head trauma, migraines and acoustic neuroma, which are noncancerous, benign tumors.

The Facts

• It is estimated that about 40 percent of people in the United States experience vertigo at least once in their lifetime. It is slightly more prevalent in women and increases with age.

Prevention/Solution

• Vertigo sufferers can minimize dizziness, improve balance and prevent falls by taking part in vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which is performed by a physical therapist.