Vertigo is a condition where your inner ear receives signals that indicate movement. When this happens, your brain thinks you are moving and reacts accordingly. In most cases, you won’t feel anything other than mild dizziness. However, in some people vertigo can be much more severe and debilitating. If you experience this symptom at any point in time, make sure to consult a vertigo specialist as soon as possible so they can rule out any underlying causes and treat the problem accordingly.

Vertigo is not something that everyone experiences; it’s a medical condition that only certain individuals are susceptible to. Fortunately, it doesn’t usually end up being too difficult to live with if you catch it early enough. It can often be helped with medication or therapy, but it’s important to understand what causes it before attempting to treat the condition properly.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is defined as the sensation of spinning as this is often accompanied by nausea, headaches, and a decreased sense of balance. Vertigo may also be accompanied by visual disturbances. In some cases, it can cause a full-body sensation of imbalance. There are several different types of vertigo and the most common form is peripheral vertigo, which is typically caused by an underlying central nervous system disorder.

Central vertigo is different- it’s a symptom of a central neurological disorder that causes dizziness. Peripheral vertigo can occur as a symptom of a central or peripheral nervous system disorder. It can also occur as a result of head trauma, particularly a brain injury. Peripheral vertigo may also be caused by the development of an inner ear infection or infection of the vestibular nerve on certain medications.

Vertigo and Its Causes

If your doctor finds no underlying cause for vertigo, they may recommend that you simply get used to the dizziness as this is especially true in cases where vertigo occurs only occasionally. While vertigo caused by an inner ear disorder can be treated, it’s often not necessary to do so. The causes of vertigo are a bit more complicated than that.

Vertigo Treatment

If vertigo is caused by an inner ear disorder, you must see a doctor, a physical examination can usually help rule out any issues with the inner ear that might be causing the dizziness. In some cases, a scan of the inner ear can help rule out any issues with the vestibular nerve. This is especially true if the dizziness is not being controlled by medication.

If a central nervous system disorder is to blame, there is a chance that treatment may be an option. This often requires the help of a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Sometimes, medications can be an option. If the dizziness is not associated with an inner ear disorder, medication may be able to help. If a central nervous system disorder is to blame, medication may be able to help control the symptoms or even help ease the pain associated with the disorder.

Summary

The condition itself causes dizziness, it is not the other way around and vertigo must be ruled out as a possible cause of dizziness. An inner ear disorder, a central nervous system disorder, a head injury, an infection of the vestibular nerve, drug side effects, or a condition affecting the inner ear could all lead to vertigo. Stop doing things that make you dizzy, stay as motionless as you can, and watch out for any falls or bumps to the head to avoid getting vertigo.