CAUSES

Vestibular migraines are common and are tricky to diagnose as they may or may not involve headaches. Vestibular migraines may include symptoms such as vertigo, imbalance, motion sensitivity, and nausea. Symptoms may last for minutes, hours, or even days and be mild or severe. The symptoms can be frightening as they may mimic other inner ear disorders or more serious conditions such as a stroke.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (or BPPV) is a common cause of vertigo, especially for those over the age of 60. It is a mechanical problem in the inner ear which occurs when crystals that are normally embedded in the gel of the utricle become dislodged and begin floating in the semicircular canals, sending false signals to the brain. It causes intense episodes of vertigo, triggered by changes in head or body movement. BPPV can be effectively treated with the appropriate mechanical maneuvers performed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are viral or bacterial infections of the inner ear that inflame the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. With Labyrinthitis, the labyrinth (balance and hearing organs) may be affected and cause hearing loss or tinnitus, as well as vestibular symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance. With Vestibular Neuritis, normally only the vestibular system is affected, causing vestibular symptoms without hearing or tinnitus symptoms.

Ménière’s disease is a vestibular disorder caused by a buildup of inner ear fluid called endolymph. The four classic symptoms are vertigo, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and fluctuating hearing. Ménière’s disease can also co-exist with Vestibular Migraine.

Mal de debarquement means “sickness of disembarkment.”  The term originally referred to the illusion of movement felt after travel by ship or boat. Experts now term MdDS as a vestibular disorder characterized by continuous rocking or swaying in the absence of movement.

PPPD is a type of chronic dizziness. The dizziness is often described as a feeling of floating or rocking. It becomes worse when standing, with changes to head/body movement, and with busy visual environments such as grocery stores. It typically starts after an acute event of vertigo, unsteadiness, or dizziness. It is more common in people who have a history of anxiety/depression or vestibular migraines.

Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning/moving are common symptoms following head injuries like a concussion. The symptoms can resolve, or can become persistent and debilitating for some patients. The symptoms can be caused by brain injury (cortical concussion), damage to the inner ear balance or hearing sensors (labyrinthine concussion), or from other things like changes in blood pressure, nervous system irregularities, or vision.