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The Different Types of Vertigo & Their Common Causes

  • September 13, 2024

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded can be a sign of many things, but it could also be vertigo. Not to be confused with feeling like the room is spinning, which is more accurately classified as disequilibrium, vertigo is the sensation that *you* are spinning. It can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting and is often triggered by a change in head position. It can be a very disorienting and uncomfortable feeling, and it can make it difficult to perform everyday activities. So, what causes this strange feeling?

Vertigo can be caused by smoking, drinking too much caffeine, or dehydration. It can also be caused by an ear infection, Meniere’s disease, or a head injury. One of the most effective forms of Vertigo treatment is chiropractic care. If you’re struggling with Vertigo symptoms, it may be time to book an appointment with our chiropractic office here in Vista.

Types of Vertigo & Common Causes in Vista

Do you ever feel like the room is spinning around you? Or like you’re on a rollercoaster when you’re just sitting still? These are both examples of vertigo, a type of dizziness that can be caused by many different things. 

There are three types of vertigo: peripheral, central, and psychogenic. 

Peripheral Vertigo 

It is the most common type. It’s caused by a problem with your inner ear or balance organs and can be triggered by head movements. You may feel like you’re spinning or that the room is moving even when you’re still. Peripheral vertigo is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is caused by changes in the position of your head, such as when you get out of bed or turn over in bed. It is the most common cause of vertigo, accounting for about 50% of all cases. BPPV can be treated with canalith repositioning maneuvers, which are simple exercises that can be done at home. 
  • Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis: These conditions are caused by inflammation in your inner ear or vestibular nerve and can be treated with antibiotics if they are caused by a bacterial infection or anti-inflammatory medications if they are caused by a viral infection. 
  • Meniere’s disease: This condition is caused by a buildup of fluid in your inner ear and can be treated with diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, motion sickness medications to help control symptoms, and a low-sodium diet to help reduce fluid retention. 
  • Migraines: Migraines can cause vertigo because they involve changes in brain activity that can affect balance and movement sensors. They can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, as well as prescription medications explicitly designed for migraines. 
  • Perilymph fistula: This condition is caused by a tear in the thin membranes that separate the middle ear from the inner ear and can be treated with surgical repair of the incision. 
  • Acoustic neuroma: This condition is caused by a tumor on the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain and can be treated with surgery to remove the tumor. 
  • Vestibular paralysis: This condition is caused by paralysis of the muscles that control eye movement and can be treated with physical therapy to help improve balance and eye movement coordination. 
  • Malformations of inner ear bones: This condition is caused by abnormal development of the bones in the inner ear during fetal development and can be treated with surgery to correct the malformation. 

Central Vertigo

It is less common than peripheral vertigo and is caused by a problem in your brain or spinal cord. The most common cause of central vertigo is stroke, but migraines, tumors, or infections can also cause it. People with central vertigo usually have other neurological symptoms in addition to dizziness, such as weakness, trouble speaking, or changes in vision. 

  • Stroke: A stroke occurs when blood flow to your brain is cut off due to blockage or bleeding. It can cause dizziness or loss of balance because it affects the parts of your brain responsible for those functions. Strokes can be treated with clot-busting drugs to break up blockages or surgery to remove bleeding areas. 
  • Tumor: A tumor on your brainstem or cerebellum—the parts of your brain responsible for balance—can cause dizziness or loss of ligaments due to pressure on those areas. Tumors can be treated with surgery to remove them. 
  • Inflammation: Inflammation from conditions like multiple sclerosis or meningitis—inflammation of the lining around your brain—can cause dizziness or loss of lead because it affects the parts of the ionosphere Raina is responsible for those functions.Inflammation cuspidate toothpick with steroids to reduce swelling.

Psychogenic Vertigo

It is caused by psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety. It can also be caused by vestibular migraines, which are migraines that include dizziness as a symptom. People with psychogenic vertigo don’t usually have other neurological symptoms. 

  • Anxiety disorders: People with anxiety disorders often experience dizziness and lightheadedness. This can be due to a number of factors, including hyperventilation, chest pain, and heart palpitations. 
  • Depression: Depression is another mental health condition that can cause dizziness. In some cases, this may be due to the side effects of antidepressant medications.

    Panic disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of anxiety and fear. These episodes can cause physical symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. 
  • Stress: Stress can also trigger dizziness and lightheadedness. This may be due to the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Certain medications: Some medications, such as anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants, can cause dizziness as a side effect. 

Vertigo Treatment in Vista

Vertigo is a condition that causes the person to feel like they are spinning or moving when they are not. It can be caused by many things, including infection, a head injury, or even Meniere’s disease. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with vertigo, it is important to seek medical attention right away. There are treatments available that can help lessen the symptoms and make you feel better. 

There are a variety of treatments available depending on the underlying cause of your vertigo. Here at Advanced Spine & Joint Care at Vista, we offer a wide range of treatment options for our patients. We would be happy to discuss these options with you and help you find the best solution for your individual needs. Don’t suffer from vertigo any longer, call us at (760) 760-2170 today!

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