Understanding Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

Vertigo is usually a result of an issue with the balancing system of the body. This is a combination of the inner ear- the nerve- and the brain. Below are the three most common causes of vertigo:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV occurs when crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the ear canals. These misplaced crystals disrupt fluid movement, sending incorrect signals to the brain about your body’s position.

• Symptoms: Sudden, intense dizziness triggered by head movements.
• Treatment: Vestibular physiotherapy can help reposition the crystals using techniques like the Epley Maneuver to restore balance.

2. Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a chronic condition caused by an excess buildup of fluid in the inner ear, affecting both balance and hearing.

• Symptoms: Recurrent vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), with or without hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
• Treatment: Lifestyle changes, including a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention, along with physiotherapy exercises to improve balance and recover faster.

3. Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis is usually the most severe out of these 3. This occurs when the nerve in the inner ear becomes infected, disrupting communication between the ear and the brain. This is often caused by a viral infection.

• Symptoms: Sudden dizziness, difficulty focusing, nausea, and imbalance.
• Treatment: Vestibular rehabilitation to help retrain the brain’s response to movement.