Vertigo

Types & Causes

The organs that control equilibrium i.e the vestibular labyrinth is located in the inner ear. It includes loop-shaped structures (semicircular canals) that contain fluid and fine, hair-like sensors that monitor the rotation of your head. These canals all attach to the utricle, which contains tiny granules or crystals of calcium carbonate (otoconia). These particles are attached to sensors that help detect gravity and back-and-forth motion. When these particles within the labyrunth get disturbed a person will experience the condition called vertigo.

Depending on the location of the damaged vestibular pathway, vertigo is classified into two categories namely peripheral vertigo and central vertigo

Peripheral vertigo occurs if there is a problem with the part of the inner ear that controls balance or with the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brainstem.
Central vertigo is caused by the disorders of the central nervous system. It occurs if there is a problem in the brain, particularly in the brainstem or the cerebellum (back part of the brain). This may include brainstem vascular disease, arteriovenous malformation, tumor of the brainstem and cerebellum, multiple sclerosis and vertebrobasilar migraine.

Different conditions such as bacterial virus infections, nerve inflammation, toxic substances, tumors and abnormal pressures can affect the inner ear which may lead to vertigo.  

Several causes of Vertigo includes : 

Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV)/ Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) - One of the disorder of the inner ear that causes vertigo is the Benign Positional Vertigo. This is the most common form, usually lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes, occurs after a sudden movement of the head. The exact cause of BPV is unknown, but may be due to an upper respiratory tract infection or a minor blow to the head. It may also occur when debris made up of calcium carbonate and protein (called otoliths or ear crystals) builds up in and damages the inner ear. One of the characteristic symptoms of BPV is the rapid movement of the eye in one direction followed by a slow drift back to its original position. BPV patients may have temporary dizziness, lightheadedness, imbalance, nausea and sometimes, it may be severe enough to cause vomiting.

Labyrinthitis is an ear disorder that involves irritation and swelling of the inner ear. It may be associated with an inflammation within the inner ear, an upper respiratory infection or nerve deterioration, but often occurs independently of other problems. People with labyrinthitis experience an acute onset of severe vertigo that lasts several days to a week. It is typically accompanied by hearing loss and ringing in the ears.

Meniere's Disease is a disorder of the inner ear affecting balance and hearing. Though the exact reason is unknown, it may be related to middle ear infection, syphilis or head injury. It can be accompanied with episodes of vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - It is autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). This condition occurs due to the damage to the myelin sheath, the protective material which surrounds nerve cells, which may gets worse over time.

Migraine, a severe form of headache, may also cause vertigo which is usually followed by a headache. 

Depending on the cause, vertigo can last only a few minutes or can be last for days. It may be mild, or it may be severe enough to cause nausea and vomiting. During vertigo spells it may be difficult to focus visually and many people find it uncomfortable to keep their eyes open. Episodes of vertigo increases with age.