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Causes of Vertigo Attacks
Vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. It is often associated with feeling faint, light headed, weak or dizzy. Standing, moving or changing positions can intensify the symptoms of vertigo and may lead to nausea or vomiting. During a vertigo attack, lie still, rest and avoid bright lights. If you continue to have unexplained vertigo attacks, seek the assistance of a doctor to determine the cause and a treatment plan.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Benign Positional Vertigo
Benign positional vertigo is a common cause of vertigo that is due to a disturbance in the inner ear 1. The spinning sensation may be brief, often starts suddenly and is triggered by head movement. The episodes occur due to calcium carbonate crystals breaking loose in the inner canal, which can happen due to age or possibly a head trauma, according to the Mayo Clinic. As you move, the particles shift and can cause a vertigo episode.
- Benign positional vertigo is a common cause of vertigo that is due to a disturbance in the inner ear 1.
- The spinning sensation may be brief, often starts suddenly and is triggered by head movement.
Meniere's Disease
Signs & Symptoms of Inner Ear Problems
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Meniere's disease can produce vertigo episodes lasting 30 minutes or longer 3. Meniere's is associated with an excessive buildup of fluid in the ear that brings on vertigo. The cause of the excess fluid is unknown. Vertigo related to Meniere's disease will often present additional symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 3. Patients with Meniere's will often have two or more of these symptoms at the same time: slow progressive hearing loss; buzzing or ringing in the ears; and a sensation that the ear is clogged.
Inner Ear Inflammation
Inflammation of the inner ear, also called acute vestibular neuronitis or labyrinthitis, may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection 4. Ear infections, upper respiratory infections or allergies may cause swelling and irritation of the inner ear, which can lead to vertigo. This type of vertigo attack is often sudden and intense, and may last for a number of days. The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that in addition to an infection, excessive drinking, smoking, stress and certain medications, like aspirin, may lead to inflammation of the inner ear.
- Inflammation of the inner ear, also called acute vestibular neuronitis or labyrinthitis, may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection 4.
- Ear infections, upper respiratory infections or allergies may cause swelling and irritation of the inner ear, which can lead to vertigo.
Additional Causes
Dizziness When Standing or Waking Up
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Migraine attacks may cause vertigo that can last a few minutes or a few days. Stress, food allergies and hormonal changes can cause migraine-related vertigo. Less likely causes of vertigo may involve neurological problems, including brain hemorrhage, stroke or multiple sclerosis.
Related Articles
References
- Medline Plus: Benign Positional Vertigo
- Mayo Clinic: Dizziness--Causes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hearing and Balance Center--Meniere's Disease
- Medline Plus: Labyrinthitis
- Stanton M, Freeman AM. Vertigo. [Updated 2020 Apr 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan.
- Merck Manual Professional Version. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Updated October 2018.
- Cleveland Clinic. Vestibular neuritis. Updated May 31, 2019.
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Ménière's disease. Updated February 13, 2017.
- Thompson TL, Amedee R. Vertigo: a review of common peripheral and central vestibular disorders. Ochsner J. 2009;9(1):20–26.
- National Organization for Rare Disorders. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. Updated 2011.
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Dizziness and vertigo.
- American Heart Association. Syncope (fainting). Updated June 30, 2017.
- Walther LE. Current diagnostic procedures for diagnosing vertigo and dizziness. GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;16:Doc02. doi:10.3205/cto000141
- Hussain K, Murdin L, Schilder AG. Restriction of salt, caffeine and alcohol intake for the treatment of Ménière's disease or syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;12:CD012173. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012173.pub2
- Hilton MP, Pinder DK. The Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(12):CD003162. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003162.pub3
- Han BI, Song HS, Kim JS. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: review of indications, mechanisms, and key exercises. J Clin Neurol. 2011;7(4):184-96. doi:10.3988/jcn.2011.7.4.184
- Chiu C-W et al. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for dizziness and vertigo in emergency department: a pilot cohort study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015; 15: 173. doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0704-6
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Writer Bio
Rachel Venokur-Clark is a certified holistic health counselor through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Venokur-Clark is trained in all the different dietary theories, Eastern and Western nutrition, modern health issues, personal growth and development, and health counseling.