Vertigo is a condition that makes you feel like you or everything around you is spinning, even when there is no actual movement.
It can be very uncomfortable and make daily activities difficult. To better understand vertigo, let’s explore its common causes in simple terms.
One of the most common causes is something called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV for short. This happens when tiny calcium crystals, known as canaliths, move into the wrong part of the inner ear. The inner ear helps you keep your balance by sending signals to the brain about head and body movement.
When these crystals go where they shouldn’t, they confuse the signals and cause a short spinning feeling, especially when you move your head in certain directions. BPPV can happen after a head injury, spending too much time in bed, or simply from getting older.
Another cause of vertigo is Meniere’s disease. This condition affects the inner ear and leads to sudden episodes of spinning, hearing problems, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and pressure or fullness in the ear.
Scientists aren’t exactly sure what causes it, but they think it might be related to too much fluid in the inner ear. Possible triggers include infections, immune system issues, or even inherited traits.
Vertigo can also happen due to vestibular neuritis, sometimes called labyrinthitis. This condition is caused by swelling in the inner ear, usually from a virus.
When the inner ear is swollen, it can’t send balance information to the brain correctly. This causes sudden and intense spinning feelings that may last for days. It often comes with nausea and trouble walking.
Migraines can also cause vertigo, even without a headache. This type is called vestibular migraine or migraine-associated vertigo. Doctors believe that the same changes in brain activity and blood flow that cause migraines may also affect the parts of the brain that control balance, leading to dizziness and spinning.
Infections in the inner ear, whether from bacteria or viruses, can also lead to vertigo. These infections cause swelling and fluid buildup, which mess up the balance signals going to the brain. This kind of vertigo often starts quickly and may include ear pain, hearing loss, or fluid coming from the ear.
Head or neck injuries can also lead to vertigo. Accidents like car crashes can injure the inner ear or the nerves that control balance. For example, whiplash from a crash can cause damage to the neck that results in vertigo.
In rare cases, vertigo can be a sign of something more serious, like a stroke or multiple sclerosis (MS). A stroke that affects the balance center in the brain can cause sudden, severe vertigo. MS is a disease that damages the brain and spinal cord and can cause dizziness if the areas controlling balance are affected.
In short, vertigo can have many causes—from common conditions like BPPV and inner ear infections to more serious issues like stroke. Understanding what causes vertigo can help you get the right treatment. If you ever feel spinning or dizziness that doesn’t go away, it’s important to see a doctor to find out what’s going on and how to feel better.
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