Causes Of Vertigo
Vertigo causes have been linked to problems in the inner ear and the brain. It has only a few causes including:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – this is one of the most common causes and forms of vertigo usually characterized by a feeling of motion especially when there are sudden movements in the head especially in one direction. Being the most common, it is highly treatable and rarely serious.
- Inflammation in the inner ear – the two most often causes are vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis. The vertigo is often characterized by a quick onset with accompanying loss of hearing. Often, the cause of the inflammation is bacterial or viral infection.
- Meniere’s disease – this particular disease is known for its triad of symptoms: tinnitus, onset of vertigo, and loss of hearing. This type of vertigo has a very sudden onset often considered as severe. It has associated fluctuating hearing loss. Episodes vary in severity from symptom-free to unbearable.
- Acoustic neuroma – this is a type of nerve tissue tumor. It can cause vertigo, one-sided ear ringing and hearing loss.
- Inadequate blood flow to the brain – decreased blood flow to the brain may be due to arteriosclerosis or certain complication of diabetes including viscosity of the blood.
- Cerebellar bleeding – the cerebellum is the part of the brain in charge of motor control. When the back of the brain bleeds, it normally hits the cerebellum. Symptoms associated with this are vertigo, walking difficulties, inability to look towards the side affected by bleeding and headache.
- Multiple sclerosis – vertigo is one of the presenting symptoms in this disease. Usually, this type of vertigo has rapid onset with eyes unable to move past the midline towards the nose.
- Migraine – this is a common cause and the vertigo is usually followed by severe headache. Despite the severity of the headache, it does not cause any lasting problems.
- Inner ear trauma – this may be caused by a number of mechanisms. However, the most popular maybe the basilar fracture or a concussion where the labyrinth system may be affected.
- Barotrauma – this is a condition in the inner ear where there are pressure changes causing vertigo. This type of injury is often associated with deep sea diving where the changes in pressure cause permanent damage to the inner ear.
- Head trauma or neck injury – this causes vertigo but is usually self-limiting.
- Alcohol, drug interaction and intoxication, overmedication and cholesteatoma can cause vertigo as well.
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