Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or dizziness, often triggered by sudden movements like standing up too quickly, turning your head, or rolling over in bed. It can make you feel unsteady, nauseous, or as if the room is moving when it’s not. Most cases of vertigo stem from inner ear issues, which affect balance and spatial awareness. Understanding what causes vertigo can help make sense of your diagnosis and treatment. Below, we break down some of the most common conditions that lead to vertigo and dizziness.
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It is often triggered by changes in head position, such as turning over in bed or looking up. Episodes are usually brief, lasting a few seconds, though some patients may experience lingering dizziness or a heavy feeling in the head. The diagnosis of this condition is done by identification of nystagmus during positional tests with VNG Treatment involves Repositioning maneuvers
Labyrinthitis is an infection of the inner ear that affects the balance and hearing nerves. It can cause intense vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ear (tinnitus). These patients require early treatment to help recovery of hearing. Balance control is imposed with vestibular Rehabilitation.
MdMS often starts after sea or air travel. Patients feel like they are rocking or floating even after the trip ends. The unsteady feeling may lessen when driving or after consuming alcohol. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy and cognitive Behavioral therapy is often effective in treating this condition.
This condition is caused by increased pressure of fluid in the inner ear. Symptoms include vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, typically affecting one ear.
Some medications can damage the nerves responsible for balance and hearing, leading to dizziness and hearing loss. Common ototoxic drugs include aspirin, certain antibiotics (ending in “-mycin”), antimalarial drugs, and some anti-tuberculosis medications. Early detection using tests like Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) and Audiometry can help.
Migraines can cause dizziness or vertigo even without a headache. Patients may also experience sensitivity to sound, motion sickness, and a spinning sensation. Treatment often includes lifestyle changes, medication and cognitive behavioral therapy
Vestibular neuritis is caused by an infection of the nerve that controls balance. Symptoms include severe vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. The condition may confine patients to bed for a few days. Early diagnosis and vestibular rehabilitation can speed up recovery.
Also known as Vestibular Schwannoma, this is a slow-growing, non-cancerous tumour on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which affects balance and hearing. Symptoms include hearing loss, tinnitus, and imbalance.
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It damages the myelin sheath, a protective covering of nerve fibers, and can lead to vertigo and other neurological symptoms.
SSCD is a rare condition affecting the inner ear, caused by thinning of the bone covering the superior semicircular canal this condition is associated with sound intolerance and multiple short episodes of spinning every day. It is diagnosed by vestibular evaluation where we see Valsalva induced nystagmus HRCT tempura bone is the confirmatory test.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as humming or buzzing, in the ear when no external sound is present. A proper evaluation is needed to determine hearing levels and the nature of the sound. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is useful in tinnitus pts. Patients with hearing loss who experience tinnitus may benefit from using hearing aids.
This condition involves brief, recurring episodes of vertigo caused by compression of the vestibular nerve. Treatment focuses on relieving nerve pressure.
Dr Anita Bhandari’s Vertigo and Ear Clinic is a super specialty medical facility with dedicated staff for treatment of patients of vertigo, dizziness, hearing loss and other auditory problems.
