Ear Problems that Cause Vertigo

Some people may think that vertigo is simply an Alfred Hitchcock movie, but in reality vertigo is a symptom of various illnesses and diseases that involves the feeling that you or your environment is spinning, tilting, whirling, or falling. It is important to understand that vertigo is a symptom, not a condition. About forty five percent of vertigo cases are caused by severe illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and neurological disorders. However, much more commonly, about fifty to sixty percent of vertigo cases are caused by inner ear disorders, ear infections, and other ear related illnesses.

The most common ear disorder that causes vertigo is positional vertigo. This is a disorder in which the calcium particles of the inner ear build up, causing the nerve endings in the balance tubes of the ear to send mixed messages to the brain. These mixed messages confuse the brain, which then confuses the other senses, resulting in vertigo. It is very simply treated with exercises involving various head movements, combined with medications in severe cases.

Another common ear disorder that causes vertigo is Menieres disease. This ear disorder still needs much scientific study, as it’s causes are not really known. However, the main description of the disorder is a fluid buildup in the inner ear. This fluid build up causes ringing of the ears, a feeling of pressure in the ear, and vertigo, and may cause hearing loss in extreme cases. It is not curable, but can be treated through prescription medications and other therapeutic treatments.

If you have a head injury that involves injury to the inner ear, you may also experience vertigo. Treatment of post traumatic vertigo is similar to positional vertigo, because it is also caused by a change in the calcium particles in the balance tubes of the inner ear. However, in this case, the vertigo is caused by a break down rather than a build up of these calcium particles.

There are many other causes of vertigo. More serious causes of vertigo include multiple sclerosis, parkinsons, neurological disorders, and stroke. If you have had any recent ear problems or if you have a history of ear problems and you have been experiencing symptoms of vertigo, you should contact your doctor immediately for a consultation to determine the cause of the vertigo and treatment for the ear disorder so that you can begin the road to recovery.