Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Vertigo is the sensation of dizziness or the feeling that you or the world around you is spinning. People who experience vertigo might also describe feeling as though they are tilting, swaying or being pulled in a particular direction.

Vertigo symptoms range from mild to severe based on the underlying cause, and they can last anywhere from a few seconds to several days.

What Are the Types of Vertigo?

There are two types of vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is the more common of the two. It’s caused by problems with the inner ear or vestibular nerve, which connects the brain and the inner ear. Central vertigo is caused by a problem in the brain, often in the area called the cerebellum.

Peripheral vertigo symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Spinning sensation
• Balance problems
• Ringing in the ears
• Hearing loss
• Ear fullness
• Motion sickness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heavy sweating
• Blurred vision
• Eye twitching
• Central vertigo symptoms include:
• Severe instability
• Trouble walking
• Limb weakness
• Slurred speech
• Swallowing problems
• Double vision
• Involuntary eye movements
• Facial drooping
• Severe headaches
• Body numbness

Some of these symptoms are similar to those of a stroke. Unless you have had episodes of central vertigo before and are sure that’s what you’re experiencing, you should get medical attention right away.

What Causes Vertigo?

Peripheral vertigo can have several causes, including:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

This is the most common peripheral vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the fluid-filled semicircular canals. These loose crystals stimulate sensitive hair sensors during head movement, sending conflicting signals to the brain that trigger a sudden spinning sensation.

Meniere’s Disease

This condition is linked to fluid buildup and shifting pressure deep inside the ear. It can trigger sudden, severe vertigo spells that last up to 24 hours, often accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss and ringing.

Labyrinthitis

This condition results from inflammation of the inner ear and is often caused by a virus, like the common cold or flu. It may also be the result of a bacterial ear infection. It frequently occurs with other symptoms like an earache and fever.

Vestibular Neuronitis

Also called vestibular neuritis, this condition is caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is crucial to balance. It comes on suddenly and, like labyrinthitis, it typically occurs with or after a cold or flu.

Pregnancy

Hormone fluctuations, changes in metabolism and other aspects of being pregnant can increase the risk of vertigo.

Central vertigo can be caused by:

• Infection
• Migraine
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Brain tumor
• Multiple sclerosis
• Vascular disease
• Certain medications

How Is Vertigo Treated?

Vertigo can be treated using therapies, medications or surgery.

One therapy is called vestibular rehabilitation. It strengthens the vestibular system and helps correct the signals sent to the brain regarding movements relative to gravity. Canalith repositioning maneuvers can also be used. They are specific head movements that reposition stray particles in the ear canal so that the body can absorb them.

Your care team may also suggest simple day-to-day habits to minimize dizzy spells:

• Sit down immediately whenever dizziness starts.
• Prop your head on extra pillows at night.
• Squat down using your knees instead of bending at the waist.
• Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down.

Medications can be used to reduce nausea and related symptoms. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to fight bacterial infections, and steroids can be used to reduce swelling in the ear. For vertigo caused by Meniere’s disease, doctors may prescribe diuretics to reduce fluid buildup in the ear.

In rare cases, surgery may be needed to address vertigo.

Get Help With Vertigo From Baptist Health

Occasional mild vertigo typically is nothing to be concerned about. But if you have vertigo symptoms that come and go for more than a week, you should talk with your physician. You can find a Baptist Health physician near you in our online provider directory.

If you experience severe symptoms, you should seek emergency care. This includes slurred speech, double vision, loss of vision, fever, limb weakness, trouble walking, hearing loss or ongoing inability to keep food down.