Vertigo is a condition that can be managed but has a number of detrimental effects on an individual. Commonly, what causes vertigo can include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, trouble standing and trouble walking. There a number of causes of vertigo but many of them can be addressed through treatment and medication. Seeking treatment for vertigo is paramount as the symptoms can be intensely disruptive towards everyday task, such as eating, driving an automobile, walking or sleeping. Vertigo can occur regardless of if a person is sitting or standing, however there is a greater frequency for people to experience vertigo symptoms if they are standing. Here are some common causes of this condition.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo – This is the most common cause of vertigo and is, thankfully, one of the easiest to treat. Due to a disruption in the inner ear, which regulates equilibrium, by calcium crystal deposits breaking loose of their foundation and falling into other sections of the ear, causing feelings of dizziness, motion and nausea occur from slight head movements that would otherwise not register such symptoms. The movements of these crystals generate a sensation of falling and weight that mimic actual movement, thereby causing the body to incorrectly interpret these shifting deposits for actual movement. While common, this condition can be treated and is very rarely serious enough to require invasive measures.

Inner Ear Inflammation – Another cause of vertigo is the inner ear becoming inflamed. This often is a result of ear infections or other illness and can result in hearing loss if not properly treated in time. Swelling of the inner ear disrupts orientation and equilibrium, causing movements to register incorrectly or to be overcompensated by the body.

Meniere’s Disease – This serious condition can cause vertigo in addition to a number of other serious inner ear problems. This disease is also accompanied by tinnitus, a ring in the ear, and sudden bouts of hearing loss. Vertigo can be quite severe if caused by Meniere’s Disease.

Acoustic Neuroma – A type of tumor that develops on the nerve tissue of the inner ear, this cause often requires surgery and other invasive measures. Acoustic neuroma can also cause hearing loss and tinnitus.

Decreased Blow Flow – A sudden drop in blood flow to the brain may trigger vertigo. This is often caused by internal bleeding or bleeding in the brain and often seriously impairs motor skills.

Head Trauma – Sudden blows to the head often causes vertigo as the swelling and inflammation resulting from injury can put pressure on the internal workings of the inner ear.

Multiple Sclerosis – A harbinger of multiple sclerosis, frequent and unexplained vertigo often indicates the onset of multiple sclerosis. An eye examination can often detect whether a bout of vertigo is due to this serious condition.

Migraines – Sometimes, what causes vertigo can simply be a migraine.  Vertigo is often a common symptom of migraines and often comes with visual distortions and intense, localized pain. Vomiting is also common with this type of vertigo.