Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) occurs when tiny crystals break off from the inner ear canal and over stimulate hair cells that are sensitive to movement. This “tricks” the brain into thinking that motion is occurring when it isn’t. It is the most common cause of vertigo. Certain head movements, such as bending down or turning to the side while lying in bed, can trigger dizziness. BPPV episodes generally last only a few minutes. The condition usually poses no dangers other than the risk of falling and does not require treatment. People over 50 are more likely to experience BPPV.
Vertigo is a very common symptom in people who have experienced a head or neck trauma, most commonly from a vehicle accident, practicing contact sports, falls or assaults.
BPPV is closely related to the head traumas, in fact, approximately 28% of people who experience post-trauma vertigo is diagnosed and treated for BPPV
Labyrinthitis can be defined as the infection and inflammation of the inner ear, which is usually caused by viral infections, but it can also be caused by bacteria (influenza, measles, herpes viruses, polio, rubella, mumps, hepatitis and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)).
When the inner ear is inflamed and pressing the nerves around the injured tissue, balance can be affected. In Labyrinthitis, you may experience other symptoms and signs caused by the infection besides vertigo, such as fever and earache, which usually lasts a few days until the inflammation disappears.
Ménière disease is a very common cause of vertigo. However, it is considered a syndrome because the patient always has a triad of symptoms that include vertigo, tinnitus (constant sensation of ringing in the ears) and hearing loss. Likewise, the patient can experience nausea, vomiting and sensation of fullness in their ears.
A person with Ménière disease will have severe vertigo that can last for up to 24 hours and periods of hearing loss that alternate with periods without symptoms. Unfortunately the specific cause of Ménière syndrome hasn’t been defined.
Dizziness and vertigo are considered one of the earliest symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). In MS, vertigo is caused by brain damage that affect balance. The patient experiences severe vertigo and may even have a high risk of injuries due to falls.
Not all brain tumors cause vertigo, as it depends on the location, type and size of the tumor. However, when the tumor is in the cerebellum or the brainstem, the patient may experience severe vertigo episodes. This is usually the reason why the patient consults a doctor.
Vertigo can be a common symptom after a stroke if the damaged area of the brain is the cerebellum or the brainstem, as this is where receiving, interpreting and sending balance signals occurs. Sometimes strokes can affect the eighth nerve which is closely related with balance.
Steve Ramsey, PhD- Public Health