What Are the Causes of Vertigo?

Although vertigo is a common ailment, there are many different causes. These symptoms could indicate anything from an infection to a stroke, but vertigo is often related to organs that help the body balance itself. If you suspect that you might be suffering from vertigo, a doctor will ask you about the symptoms you're experiencing and your other symptoms. Often, the cause of vertigo can be discovered after a thorough medical examination.

Meniere's disease

A condition called Meniere's disease, which causes vertigo is a buildup of fluid in the inner ear's labyrinth. It contains organs for hearing and balance. The labyrinth has two parts, a membranous one and a canal filled with endolymph fluid. These two sections receive and process sound vibrations, which trigger nerve impulses in the brain.

Labyrinthitis

Vertigo and labyrinthitis are related conditions that affect the balance systems of the brain. The vestibular system comprises three semicircular canals and otoliths, which sense linear and rotational motion changes. Visual cues combined with sensory input from the vestibular system send information to the brain, which relays the information to the eye muscle. The vestibular-ocular reflex helps the brain maintain a continuous visual focus during movement. However, rapid and understated eye movements result when labyrinthitis affects the vestibular system.

Meniere's syndrome

In patients with Meniere's disease, the fluid that fills the inner ear causes the spinning sensation. This fluid interferes with the balance signals sent from the inner ear to the brain. The abnormal balance signals result in symptoms of vertigo and hearing loss. Meniere's disease can lead to permanent hearing loss and balance problems if left untreated. Symptoms of Meniere's disease can be difficult to diagnose and may be due to other causes.

RSV-HSN

Patients with RSV-HSN have frequent, intermittent attacks of vertigo that last for a few minutes to several days. These attacks typically occur only a few times per year, but the severity of vertigo is similar to that of BRV and other forms of motion sickness. The duration of nystagmus in patients with RSV-HSN is longer than in those with other forms of vertigo. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and unwillingness to undergo head-movement tests.

Infections of the vestibular nerve

If you're experiencing episodes of vertigo and cannot pinpoint the exact cause, it's important to get a second opinion. Infections of the vestibular nerve are often difficult to diagnose without a comprehensive examination. Your doctor may use an MRI, an imaging test that uses a dye to reveal brain abnormalities. If the diagnosis is made, treatment will focus on treating the virus and participating in a balance rehabilitation program.