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What Are the Causes of Peripheral Vertigo?

When peripheral vertigo, also known as labyrinthitis, occurs, it seems like the room is spinning but you are not. At its worst, you are unable to stand or even lift your head. Most of the causes are related to the inner ear.

  1. Causes

    • The body has several ways to determine which way it is oriented. Vision is one source of information; the eyes tell the brain that we are standing up or laying down.

      The other system critical to balance is the inner ear. The inner ear has looping vessels called the semicircular canals. There is liquid in these vessels that moves with the movement of the person. When an obstruction or an infection impacts this area, the result is dizziness, nausea and vertigo (a spinning or tilting feeling).

    Symptoms

    • It's not unusual to feel a little queasy watching a movie of a roller coaster. The queasiness is because the information sent to the brain coming from the eyes differs from the information coming from the ears. The same goes for standing on a moving ship, the ears feel movement, but that's not consistent with the information from the eyes.

    Other Disorders

    • There is a nerve that sends signals from the ear to the lower brain area, the brain stem. When there is a problem with this nerve someone can experience the feelings of peripheral vertigo.

      A condition called "central vertigo" is caused by conditions of the brain.

    Doctor's Visit

    • The most common cause of feelings of peripheral vertigo is an infection of the inner ear. The doctor will ask if there has been a recent upper respiratory illness such as a cold, which can lead to an infection or swelling in the inner ear. The doctor can often tell by looking at the ear drum if there is water behind it. Although it might be viral, more likely it is bacterial and simple antibiotics might be prescribed. The doctor can help determine if it is a more serious condition.

    Risks

    • Severe colds can turn into an inner ear infection. It's always important to be respectful of even a simple cold. Rest is important for healing. Smoking can increase the chance of an inner ear infection after a cold.

      Note that a little hearing loss is normal with an inner ear infection.

      Certain medications might affect the nerves in the ear or the brainstem, leading to dizziness or vertigo.

      See the doctor right away if the symptoms resulted from an accident, or there are additional symptoms such as double vision, paralysis or weakness.

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