Vertigo balance disorders

Vertigo is a feeling of motion or spinning that is often described as dizziness. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness and vertigo is not the same as light-headedness.

The main symptom is a sensation that you or the room is moving or spinning, even when you are still.

Vertigo is usually caused by inner ear problems. Your inner ear is important for both hearing and balance.

There are two types of vertigo: Peripheral vertigo and Central vertigo.

The three most common causes are:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Labyrinthitis
• Meniere's disease

Balance disorders can be a sign of another health problem, such as an ear infection or a stroke. In some cases, treating the illness that is causing the disorder will help with the balance problem.

Treatment may include certain medications as well as physical therapy. Surgery may be required for those diagnosed with Meniere's disease.

There are two types of vertigo: Peripheral vertigo and Central vertigo.

• Peripheral vertigo: The problem is due to the part of the inner ear that controls balance. These areas are called the vestibular labyrinth or semicircular canals. The problem may also involve the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brainstem.
• Central vertigo: This type is due to a problem in the brain, usually in the brainstem or the back part of the brain (cerebellum).

Peripheral vertigo may be caused by:

• Benign positional vertigo (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) (BPPV)
• Certain medications such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, cisplatin, diuretics, or salicylates
• Head injury
• Inflammation of the vestibular nerve (neuronitis)
• Labyrinthitis: Labyrinthitis is irritation and swelling of the inner ear usually caused by an infection. Having a cold or flu can trigger labyrinthitis
• Meniere's disease: Meniere's disease is an inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing. It may occur when the pressure of the fluid in part of the inner ear gets too high.
• Pressure on the vestibular nerve, usually from a noncancerous tumor

Central vertigo may be caused by:

• Blood vessel disease
• Certain medications such as anticonvulsants, aspirin, and alcohol
• Migraine
• Multiple sclerosis
• Seizures (rarely)
• Stroke
• Tumors (usually noncancerous)

Problems that affect the skeletal or visual systems, such as arthritis or eye muscle imbalance, can also cause balance disorders. Your risk of having balance problem will increase as you get older.

See your doctor if spinning or dizziness is frequent, severe, or affects daily life. Seek emergency care for vertigo with a sudden severe headache, trouble speaking or walking, double vision, weakness, or numbness, which can signal a stroke.