What is Vertigo (Dizziness)?

What Is Vertigo (Dizziness)?

Vertigo is the medical term for a specific type of dizziness in which a person feels as if they or the objects around them are moving or spinning — even though there is no actual movement.

It is important to understand that vertigo is not a disease itself, but a symptom (a clinical finding) that can be caused by many different underlying conditions. It is essentially an illusion of movement.

Why Does Vertigo Occur?

Vertigo usually occurs due to problems in:

• The inner ear (balance system)

• The brain stem

• The cerebellum (the balance center of the brain)

Common Inner Ear Causes

• Upper respiratory infections affecting the inner ear

• Disturbance of inner ear crystal physiology

• Increase in inner ear fluid (endolymph)

• Middle ear infections spreading to the inner ear

• Inner ear tumors

Other Possible Causes

• Migraine

• Epilepsy

• Meningitis

• Brain tumors

• Head injuries

• Psychological disorders

Common Conditions That Cause Vertigo

1️⃣ Labyrinthitis

Inside the inner ear is a structure called the labyrinth, which contains the nerve responsible for hearing and balance.

Labyrinthitis is inflammation of this structure, usually caused by infection.
When inflamed, the balance and hearing signals sent to the brain become disrupted.

Symptoms may include:

• Vertigo

• Hearing loss

• Headache

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

2️⃣ Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis is inflammation of the vestibular nerve.

It is similar to labyrinthitis, but hearing is not affected.

Symptoms:

• Severe vertigo

• Blurred vision

• Nausea

• Loss of balance

• Falling tendency

3️⃣ Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is a non-cancerous growth that usually develops in the middle ear due to repeated infections.

As it grows, it may damage ear bones and cause:

• Vertigo

• Hearing loss

4️⃣ Meniere’s disease

This condition occurs due to fluid buildup in the inner ear and causes repeated vertigo attacks.

Additional symptoms:

• Hearing loss

• Tinnitus

• Ear fullness

It is most common in people aged 40–60.
The exact cause is not fully understood, but possible factors include:

• Autoimmune reactions

• Blood vessel narrowing

• Infections

• Genetic predisposition

5️⃣ Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo.

In the inner ear, tiny calcium crystals (otoliths) help detect movement.
In BPPV, these crystals become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals where they shouldn’t be.

This causes:

• Brief vertigo attacks (usually less than 1 minute)

• Triggered by head movements

• Nausea

Other Conditions That May Cause Vertigo

• Migraine

• Head trauma

• Ear surgery

• Perilymphatic fistula

• Shingles

• Otosclerosis

• Syphilis

• Ataxia

• Stroke

• Cerebellum or brain stem diseases

• Acoustic neuroma

• Multiple Sclerosis

Types of Vertigo

Peripheral Vertigo

• Accounts for about 80% of cases

• Caused by inner ear problems

• Usually more intense spinning sensation

• Often associated with nausea and vomiting

Central Vertigo

• Accounts for about 20% of cases

• Caused by problems in the brain stem or cerebellum

• Symptoms may be milder but more persistent

• Often accompanied by neurological signs

How Is Vertigo Diagnosed?

Doctors begin with a detailed medical history and physical examination.

Common Examination Tests:

• Nystagmus (eye movement) examination

• Head impulse test

• Romberg Test (balance test with eyes closed)

• Fukuda-Unterberger Test

Advanced Diagnostic Tests:

• VNG (Video Nystagmography)

• Posturography

• VEMP (Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential)

• Hearing tests (audiometry, electrocochleography)

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

• CT scan

• Vision tests

• Blood tests

• Allergy tests

Is There a Cure for Vertigo?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Possible treatment methods include:

• Eliminating triggers (stress, alcohol, caffeine, salt, smoking)

• Avoiding triggering head positions

• Medications

• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises

• Surgical intervention (in rare cases)

The main goal is to treat the condition causing vertigo.

Can Vertigo Be Prevented?

While not all vertigo can be prevented, you can reduce risk by:

• Managing stress
• Strengthening your immune system
• Eating a balanced diet
• Getting enough Vitamin D (sunlight exposure)
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding excessive caffeine and tea
• Avoiding sudden head movements
• Doing gentle exercises instead of heavy-impact sports