Understanding Vertigo and Its Causes

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo itself is a symptom that something else is going on in the body, it is not a condition. Vertigo is actually a false sensation that you or things around you are moving. Most people describe the sensation as a spinning or whirling movement that can occur horizontally or vertically. Vertigo attacks can be sporadic and can last for seconds or they can be more constant and last for days. There are many specific causes of the symptom and it is important to figure out the root cause in order to treat the symptom.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

This is one of the most common causes of vertigo and is often called BPPV for short. It’s a sudden sensation that you are spinning or that the inside of you heat is spinning. BPPV can cause brief instances of intense to mild dizziness. Most of these vertigo incidents are bothersome, but they are not generally serious. The symptom comes and goes and is usually short-lived. There are several physical therapy maneuvers that can help balance things out and help the symptoms. The Epley maneuver is gentle and requires a series of easy movements to get things back in balance.

Migraines

Migraines are well-known for causing intense head pain that can be coupled with other symptoms. One such symptom is vertigo. Some people who have migraines have symptoms before the headache occurs and there are often things that go along with the migraines. Vertigo can come on before the migraine, or it can occur while your migraine is in full force. Those who get motion sickness easily are more likely to have vertigo in conjunction with migraines. Migraines have a number of treatments, but those looking to suppress vertigo may be interested in vestibular suppressants to balance the center in the inner ear.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear disorder between the two nerves in the inner ear that send information to the brain. The information is important to a person’s balance control. If one of those nerves is inflamed, Labyrinthitis is the condition that results. The symptoms that come from that condition include nausea, hearing loss, and vertigo. People can take over-the-counter antihistamines to help ease these symptoms. Doctors may prescribe something stronger for several symptoms.

Vestibular Neuronitis

This disorder is recognized as a sudden and severe vertigo attack. When the vestibular nerve is inflamed, the false sense of moving or spinning can result. This nerve is a cranial nerve that helps to control balance. Those who suffer from this disorder could be prescribed with vestibular suppressants to reduce their motion sickness and aid them in dealing with the issue.

Getting Help For Vertigo Symptoms

While there are several different conditions that can cause vertigo including BPPV, migraines, labyrinthitis, and vestibular neuronitis, if the symptoms of vertigo persist and are bothering your everyday life, it’s best to visit with a doctor about the condition that is causing the discomfort. Breathe Clear Institute offers treatments for ear issues that could be causing vertigo as a symptom If you think you have inner ear troubles, or you want to rule that out before you move on to other treatment options, contact the professionals at Breathe Clear for help.

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