Vertigo: The Whole Story
What is Vertigo? What Causes It? What are Its Symtoms?
Vertigo is a neurological symptom of a disorder involving the vestibular system: the structures of the inner ear, the vestibular nerve, brain stem, and the cerebellum.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is not just an Alfred Hitchcock movie. It's a real, troubling neurological symptom that can be debilitating, depending on its severity. Vertigo is considered a “dizziness or unsteadiness or spinning sensation.” When a person feels as though they are moving or spinning, the sensation is termed “subjective vertigo”, and when a person perceives his surroundings to be moving, that is termed “objective vertigo.” Both types of vertigo are caused by a disturbance in the vestibular system (the vestibular nerve, structures in the inner ear, the brain stem, and cerebellum.)
What Causes Vertigo?
When vertigo is caused by the structures of the inner ear, it is said to be a “peripheral vestibular disorder.” The onset is generally quick, and the causes include Meniere's disease (fluctuating pressure of the inner ear fluid), ototoxicity (ear poisoning from medications or chemicals), or vestibular neuritis (caused by viral infection.) These are some of the most common causes for peripheral vestibular illness. Central vestibular disorders (affecting the vestibular nerve, brain stem, and/or cerebellum) can be caused by cardiovascular problems, head trauma, migraines, tumors, kidney or thyroid disorders, multiple sclerosis, and central nervous system disorders such as stroke or brain hemorrhage.
Symptoms of Vestibular Illness
Central system illness is usually gradual and can cause vertigo as well as:
- disturbed consciousness and coordination
- headache
- speech problems
- double vision
Peripheral vestibular illness has a more rapid onset and can cause vertigo and:
- lack of balance
- poor concentration
- headache
- fatigue
- blurred vision
- nausea/vomiting
- sensitivity to lights and noise
***For more information on diagnosis and treatment, read this article's conclusion: Vertigo: the Rest of the Story and MS and Vertigo.
***For related information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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