Vertigo – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Vertigo – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment at Emirates Hospitals Group

At Emirates Hospitals Group, we understand that vertigo— a sensation of dizziness or spinning—can be disorienting and affect balance, daily activities, and overall well-being. While occasional dizziness may not be a cause for concern, persistent or severe vertigo may indicate an underlying condition requiring medical evaluation. Identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment and symptom relief.

Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo can result from various conditions affecting the inner ear, brain, or nervous system, including:

• Inner Ear Disorders (Peripheral Vertigo) –

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – The most common cause of vertigo, triggered by changes in head position due to displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear.
  • Ménière’s Disease – A condition characterized by vertigo, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a sensation of fullness in the ear.
  • Vestibular Neuritis (Labyrinthitis) – Inflammation of the inner ear, usually caused by viral infections, leading to sudden and severe vertigo.
  • Perilymph Fistula – An abnormal connection between the inner and middle ear, often caused by trauma or barotrauma.

• Neurological and Vascular Causes (Central Vertigo) –

  • Migraine-Associated Vertigo – Dizziness linked to migraine headaches.
  • Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – Disruptions in blood flow to the brain can cause vertigo, especially if other neurological symptoms are present.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Can affect balance and coordination, leading to episodes of vertigo.
  • Brain Tumors or Acoustic Neuroma – Growths affecting the balance centers of the brain or auditory nerve.

• Other Contributing Factors –

  • Low Blood Pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension) – A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing can cause dizziness.
  • Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance – Can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness.
  • Medication Side Effects – Certain medications, such as antihypertensives, sedatives, or antidepressants, may cause vertigo.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

A thorough evaluation at Emirates Hospitals Group is necessary to determine the cause of vertigo. Diagnostic methods may include:

• Medical History and Physical Examination – Assessing symptom patterns, triggers, and associated conditions.
• Dix-Hallpike Maneuver – A positional test to diagnose BPPV.
• Vestibular Function Tests – Evaluating balance and inner ear function.
• Hearing Tests (Audiometry) – Checking for associated hearing loss or tinnitus.
• Neurological Examination – Assessing brain function, coordination, and reflexes.
• Imaging Studies (MRI or CT Scan) – Identifying brain abnormalities, stroke, or tumors if suspected.

Treatment for Vertigo

The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation –

  • Epley Maneuver – A repositioning technique for BPPV to move displaced inner ear crystals.
  • Balance exercises – Training to improve stability and reduce dizziness.

• Medications –

  • Anti-vertigo medications (meclizine or betahistine) to manage symptoms.
  • Anti-nausea drugs for severe episodes.
  • Corticosteroids or antiviral drugs for vestibular neuritis.
  • Migraine treatments if vertigo is linked to migraines.

• Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments –

  • Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and salt intake in cases of Ménière’s disease.
  • Staying hydrated and managing stress.

• Surgical Intervention –

  • In rare cases, surgery may be required for persistent vertigo due to structural abnormalities or tumors.

If you are experiencing persistent or severe vertigo, seeking expert care at Emirates Hospitals Group can help determine the cause and provide effective treatment to restore balance and improve quality of life.

Related Treatments

• Perforated Eardrum