Dizziness or vertigo is often caused by conditions affecting the inner ear. Vertigo is a type of dizziness that causes a feeling like you are spinning or that the environment is spinning. It’s often aggravated by movement or changing position.

The Causes of Vertigo

One of the most common causes of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is due to small calcium particles loosening in the area of the inner ear, the area that controls balance. This affects messages sent from the inner ear to the brain.

There are many other causes of vertigo. These include infections, vestibular nerve irritation, neck tightness, inner ear disorders, circulatory problems, head injuries and stroke. Vertigo can cause a feeling of spinning, moving or rocking and sometimes a feeling like you are falling. Attacks can last from a few minutes to a few hours or be constant, and can include a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

● Spinning or swaying sensation

● Unbalanced feeling

● Nausea

● Headaches

● Ringing in the ears

● Sweating

● Lightheadedness

● Loss of coordination

Certain positions can aggravate symptoms, or even when simply changing position. Vertigo increases the risk of falls and can be unpleasant when accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

Common Types of Vertigo

Vertigo is often caused by conditions of the inner ear, and occasionally the brain. Some of the common types of vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis and Meniere’s disease.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) causes short episodes of vertigo due to changes in position or sudden head movements. The symptoms are usually triggered when lying down, rolling in bed, looking under a table, tying the shoes or tilting the head backwards. BPPV is often accompanied by nausea.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is caused by inflammation of the inner ear, often due to a viral infection such as influenza. Along with vertigo, labyrinthitis can cause ringing in the ears, ear pain, hearing loss and fever.

Vestibular neuritis

Vestibular neuritis is caused by inflammation of one of the nerves in the inner ear. This can cause sudden, constant and intense vertigo which tends to get worse when moving. Vestibular neuritis is often caused by an infection due to a virus.

Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease affects the inner ear causing recurrent vertigo, tinnitus, pressure in the ear and hearing loss. It may affect one or both ears and can be caused by a viral infection, allergy, migraine or an abnormal immune response.

Vertigo Treatment

Treatment for vertigo will depend on the diagnosis. Physio for vertigo is an effective treatment for many causes of dizziness including BPPV, vestibular neuritis and cervical (neck related) vertigo. Vertigo physiotherapy can assist with the assessment and management of a variety of inner ear disorders. Some physiotherapists are highly experienced in this area and can ensure the appropriate treatment to improve and relieve symptoms of vertigo.

Vertigo is a type of dizziness that is a common issue for many people. There are a number of causes of vertigo and a variety of treatment options. Vertigo Physiotherapy Perth can provide the appropriate treatment plan specific to the needs and health of the patient.