Causes of Vertigo

Having the causes of vertigo determined will help you have the appropriate treatment. To achieve this, certain tests may have to be made and your medical history may have to be looked into.

The first question that your doctor may have to ask you is whether you feel any sensation of motion, as it is the most common sign of vertigo. If you experience nausea, vomiting, and sweating, do not miss to report it to your doctor. You may also be asked if the symptoms take place when you move or change positions, or whether you are taking any new medications. Tinnitus or ringing in the ears, hearing loss, visual disturbances, altered level of consciousness, abnormal eye movements, and difficulty speaking are further symptoms associated with this spinning sensation, and you may be asked if you have experienced at least one of these.

Vertigo is a symptom of certain medical conditions, and they are usually associated with the nerves and the structures of the balance mechanism in the vestibular system or the inner ear, which perceive movement and changes in the head position.

The causes of vertigo include:

Meniere's Disease, which is a chronic inner ear disorder also marked by tinnitus or ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and a sense of fullness in the ears;

Acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous or benign growth on the vestibular nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain;

Labyrinthitis or the inflammation within the inner ear, commonly caused by a viral or infection infection;

Ototoxicity, which is due to certain medications like antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and loop diuretics;

Head trauma, which may cause a temporary or permanent damage to the inner ear, thus causing balance problems; and

Orthostatic hypotension or drop in blood pressure, which can take place upon rising from a lying or sitting position to a standing position.

Generally, the treatment that you are going to have is based on the cause or causes of vertigo. For example, a diet that is low in salt is recommended if the root cause is Meniere's Disease. If the cause, on the other hand, is a hole in the inner ear causing infection, you may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for surgery.