Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning, dizziness, or imbalance that can make it feel like you or your surroundings are moving. It is often caused by inner ear disorders, affecting balance and coordination.

Causes of Vertigo

🔹 Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – The most common cause; occurs when tiny calcium particles (otoliths) in the inner ear shift and disrupt balance signals.

🔹 Meniere’s Disease – A buildup of fluid in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss.

🔹 Vestibular Neuritis (Labyrinthitis) – Inflammation of the inner ear, often due to viral infections.

🔹 Migraine-Associated Vertigo – Some migraines cause dizziness and balance problems.

🔹 Head Injuries – Trauma to the head or ear can affect balance.

🔹 Stroke or Neurological Disorders – Rare but serious causes of vertigo.

🔹 Medications – Some drugs (e.g., antibiotics, diuretics) can affect the inner ear.

Symptoms of Vertigo

✔ Spinning sensation – Feeling like the room is moving.

✔ Dizziness or lightheadedness.

✔ Loss of balance or unsteadiness.

✔ Nausea or vomiting.

✔ Ear-related symptoms – Ringing (tinnitus), hearing loss, or fullness in the ear.

✔ Nystagmus – Involuntary eye movements.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Physical exam – Checking balance, coordination, and eye movement.

Dix-Hallpike test – Confirms BPPV by triggering vertigo in specific head positions.

MRI or CT scan – If a neurological cause is suspected.

Hearing tests – Evaluates inner ear function.

Treatment for Vertigo

1. Home Remedies & Lifestyle Changes

🧍‍♂️ Epley Maneuver – A series of head movements that help reposition calcium deposits in BPPV.

Move slowly – Avoid sudden head movements to prevent dizziness.

Stay hydrated – Dehydration can worsen vertigo.

Avoid alcohol & caffeine – Can affect inner ear balance.

Rest in a quiet, dark place – Helps during severe episodes.

2. Medications

Antihistamines (Meclizine, Dimenhydrinate) – Help reduce dizziness and nausea.

Vestibular suppressants (Diazepam, Lorazepam) – For severe vertigo episodes.

Anti-nausea drugs (Ondansetron, Metoclopramide) – Controls vomiting.

Diuretics – Reduce fluid buildup in Meniere’s disease.

3. Therapy & Procedures

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) – Exercises to improve balance.

Canalith repositioning therapy – Moves dislodged calcium particles in BPPV.

Surgery (rare cases) – For severe, persistent vertigo (e.g., Meniere’s disease surgery).