Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo can be caused by many conditions, some serious and some minor. Vertigo can be the condition itself, or a symptom of a more serious disease or illness such as Meniere's disease. Vertigo is still being studied by scientists and doctors, and more information will likely come to light in the near future.

The most common cause of vertigo as a condition is the buildup and/or breakdown of calcium particles in the inner ear. These calcium particles sort of bounce around the ear, sending messages to the brain as to the position of the body. If the calcium particles build up or break down in one ear but not the other, the brain may receive mixed messages about the position of the body, which in turn causes vertigo.

Labyrinthitis is another possible cause of vertigo. This condition involves inflammation of the ear canal, and is typically the result of a viral or bacterial infection. This condition may develop after an inner ear infection or an infection in the lining of the brain itself. Vertigo is a common symptom of the condition, and lasts several weeks. Once the vertigo passes, it may still recur after sudden head movement.

Vertigo can also be caused by menieres disease or sinus, which is another type of disorder of the inner ear, and causes imbalance and vertigo. The vertigo caused by this condition may last several minutes to a few hours, and is much more severe than vertigo from other causes. This condition is also accompanied by inner ear pain, fullness of the ear, hearing loss, and other symptoms.

Another condition that sometimes causes vertigo is multiple sclerosis. This condition is one that is treatable but not curable. In addition to vertigo, symptoms of multiple sclerosis include weakness in the limbs, imbalance, pain in eyes, double vision, and other symptoms. Many symptoms of multiple sclerosis are present in other conditions as well.

Vertigo can also be caused by small strokes. Small strokes are caused by tiny blood clots or clotting of cholesterol in the small blood vessels within the brain. With a small stroke, or mini-stroke, the clot dissolves and the patient returns to normal within a few hours. However, some slight and almost un-noticeable symptoms may linger after a small stroke, including vertigo and vertigo symptoms such as nausea, weakness in the arms and legs, and double vision.

If you suddenly find yourself experiencing vertigo, it is important to contact your doctor immediately to discuss the causes of vertigo. Your doctor will likely wish to run several tests to determine the specific cause of your vertigo, and then go forward to discuss possible treatments for vertigo.