Vertigo & Causes
Understanding vertigo and its causes
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, even when you’re not moving. It often stems from problems in the inner ear, which plays a key role in maintaining balance. However, vertigo can also be caused by conditions affecting the brain, such as a stroke or tumor.
Vertigo: A Symptom, Not a Disease
It’s important to understand that vertigo is not a condition on its own, but a symptom of various underlying health issues. Depending on the cause, vertigo can be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, which help in identifying the root problem.
Vertigo & Causes
Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo can arise from a variety of underlying conditions. Explore the most common causes below.
BPPV is one of the most common inner ear disorders that leads to sudden episodes of vertigo. It’s typically triggered by changes in head position — lying down, turning in bed, or tipping the head backward.
It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals (which sense head rotation), interfering with normal balance signals and causing a spinning sensation.
BPPV isn’t life-threatening, but it can be alarming—especially for adults 65+, due to increased fall risk. Most cases improve within days; some may persist for weeks.
A migraine subtype that primarily affects balance and causes vertigo, with or without headache. When present, headache is often throbbing/pulsating, typically unilateral, lasting hours to days.
Triggers/worsening factors:
- Physical activity
- Bright lights
- Loud sounds
- Strong smells
Even without headache, balance symptoms can significantly impact daily life and require proper diagnosis and management.
Also called idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops, this rare inner ear disorder affects balance and hearing.
Episodes cause vertigo (spinning), tinnitus, and hearing loss. Symptoms often start suddenly, resolve, and recur over time.
Inflammation of the vestibulocochlear nerve disrupts transmission of balance and head-position signals from the inner ear to the brain, leading to dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance.
Inflammation of the labyrinth (inner ear structure for balance & hearing) can cause intense, persistent vertigo. Without treatment, it may lead to long-term balance issues and permanent hearing loss.
A tear or hole between middle and inner ear membranes allows perilymph to leak into the middle ear, altering pressure and causing balance and hearing problems.
A benign tumor on the nerve that carries hearing and balance signals to the brain.
Can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, balance difficulties, and sometimes facial weakness or numbness as it grows.
Other possible causes
- Certain medications
- Stroke
- Cardiac problems
- Diabetes
- Head injuries
- Shingles near ears
- Ear surgery
- Blood pressure changes
- Other brain/CNS disorders