What is Vertigo? (causes, symptoms, treatment)

Have you ever felt like the world is spinning around you, even when you're standing still? That unsettling sensation might be vertigo. It's more than just feeling dizzy—vertigo is a symptom that points to something deeper. Let's break it down and explore how it can affect your daily life and what you can do about it.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo isn’t a condition but a symptom of an underlying issue. It creates the false sensation of movement—like you’re spinning or tilting—when you’re actually still. If you’ve experienced this, you know it can be disorienting and make even simple tasks challenging.

To understand vertigo, it's important to differentiate it from dizziness or lightheadedness. While dizziness is a broad term, vertigo involves the illusion of movement. Lightheadedness, on the other hand, feels more like you're about to faint. These nuances are essential for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Vertigo can arise from a variety of causes, most commonly due to inner ear issues or, in some cases, neurological problems. Knowing it’s a symptom rather than a standalone condition helps pinpoint the root cause and address it effectively.

Common Types of Vertigo

There are two main types of vertigo, and understanding each one can help you determine what might be causing your symptoms.

Peripheral Vertigo

This type, linked to inner ear problems, is the most common. For example, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) happens when tiny particles shift in your inner ear, causing brief but intense spinning sensations. Meniere’s Disease, associated with fluid buildup, not only causes vertigo but also hearing loss and tinnitus. Vestibular Neuritis, often due to viral infections, creates inflammation and leads to dizzy spells.

Central Vertigo

Central vertigo stems from issues in the central nervous system. This could be due to migraines, brain injuries, or neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis. Symptoms may go beyond dizziness, including difficulty with coordination, headaches, or vision problems.

Understanding these types prepares you to communicate better with your healthcare provider and ensures the right course of action.

Causes of Vertigo

A variety of factors can trigger vertigo.

Inner Ear Issues

Your inner ear’s vestibular system controls balance. If it’s affected by conditions like BPPV, Meniere’s Disease, or other disorders, vertigo can result. For example, the inner ear might become inflamed due to an infection, disrupting balance signals sent to the brain.

Neurological Causes

Not all vertigo stems from the ear. Migraines and strokes can also cause this symptom. For instance, certain migraines create dizziness alongside sensitivity to light or sound. Strokes affecting parts of the brain responsible for balance may involve vertigo, often with other warning signs like slurred speech or sudden weakness.

Other Contributing Factors

Head injuries, certain medications, and even lifestyle choices can play a role. Trauma can disturb the vestibular system, while some medications impact balance. Heavy alcohol use can mimic vertigo symptoms as well. Identifying these triggers helps guide the appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Living with vertigo can feel incredibly limiting.

Primary Symptoms

The most noticeable sign of vertigo is a spinning sensation. You might feel as though you’re moving or that your environment is spinning. These episodes can last for seconds or stretch on for much longer. Nausea and vomiting often accompany these feelings, making everyday activities difficult.

Secondary Symptoms

Balance problems are another challenge. Whether standing still or walking, you might feel unsteady. Sometimes, vertigo also affects hearing, with ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or noticeable hearing loss. These secondary symptoms can dramatically impact your quality of life.

Take Control of Your Vertigo

If you’re struggling with vertigo, it’s time to find relief. At Advance ER, we understand how debilitating vertigo can be. That’s why we offer expert diagnosis and personalized treatments tailored to your needs.

Our compassionate team uses advanced diagnostics to uncover the cause and create solutions that fit your life. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen or disrupt your routine.

Call (214) 494-8222 today to take the first step toward relief. We're here to help you regain balance and get back to what truly matters!