Vertigo and Dizziness: Understanding the Causes and Finding Relief

Dizziness is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor, and vertigo—the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning—can be particularly disabling. Understanding the cause is key to finding effective treatment.

Common Causes of Vertigo

Inner Ear Conditions

• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo): The most common cause, triggered by head movements. Caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear becoming dislodged.
• Meniere's Disease: Episodes of vertigo with hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness.
• Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the inner ear nerve, often following viral infection.

Neurological Causes

• Vestibular Migraine: Vertigo associated with migraine headaches.
• Stroke or TIA: Sudden vertigo with other neurological symptoms requires emergency care.
• Multiple Sclerosis: Can affect balance and coordination.

When to See a Neurologist

Seek prompt evaluation if you experience:

• Sudden, severe vertigo
• Dizziness with headache, vision changes, or weakness
• Difficulty walking or coordination problems
• Persistent or worsening symptoms
• Dizziness affecting daily activities

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Epley Maneuver: A simple repositioning technique highly effective for BPPV.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation: Physical therapy exercises to retrain the balance system.
• Medications: For symptom relief during acute episodes or to prevent vestibular migraines.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary changes, stress management, and sleep hygiene.

Most causes of vertigo are treatable. A thorough neurological evaluation can identify the cause and guide effective treatment to restore your quality of life.