Causes of Dizziness

Causes of Dizziness

Dizziness, scientifically referred to as vertigo, can arise from a variety of health conditions. The causes are often attributed either to balance disturbances in the inner ear or to issues within the central nervous system. Below, we delve into the detailed causes of dizziness:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is recognized as one of the most prevalent causes of dizziness. It results in sudden, brief episodes of dizziness that can vary in intensity from mild to severe. Individuals typically experience a sensation of spinning or that their surroundings are rapidly moving due to specific, abrupt changes in head position, which may occur in situations such as:

• Bending the head or moving it up and down.
• Lying down or getting up from bed.
• Sustaining a blow to the head.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear disorder characterized by inflammation caused by an infection affecting the labyrinth or cochlea, which houses the auditory nerve responsible for transmitting sound and head position information to the brain, known as the vestibulocochlear nerve. Symptoms of labyrinthitis include dizziness and vertigo, along with other accompanying signs such as:

• Headaches.
• Hearing loss.
• Ear pain.
• Tinnitus.
• Visual disturbances.

Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis arises from an infection that results in inflammation of the vestibular nerve located in the inner ear. Similar to labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis does not affect hearing. The dizziness associated with vestibular neuritis occurs due to the brain’s difficulty in accurately interpreting the signals from the inflamed vestibular nerve, vital for balance and spatial orientation. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of balance.
• Blurred vision.
• Severe nausea.

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a chronic disorder of the inner ear, typically affecting one ear. It is believed to result from fluid accumulation in the inner ear, which can lead to sudden episodes of dizziness lasting for several hours. These episodes are often accompanied by tinnitus and hearing loss. Although Meniere’s disease can occur at any age, it generally manifests during early adulthood to middle age. Numerous treatments are available that may alleviate symptoms and minimize their long-term impacts on an individual’s life.

Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is a non-cancerous skin growth in the middle ear that may damage the bone structure if it continues to expand behind the eardrum, leading to hearing loss and dizziness. This condition usually results from recurring ear infections.

Medications

Dizziness may be a side effect of certain medications. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional if dizziness occurs following the use of a specific medication. Reading the accompanying medication leaflet is advisable to determine if dizziness is a side effect of that drug. Patients should continue taking prescribed medications and should not discontinue them without consulting their physician, who may recommend an alternative if dizziness is linked to a specific medication. Some medications known to cause dizziness include:

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics.
• Cisplatin.
• Diuretics.
• Salicylates.

Other Causes

Additional factors that can contribute to feelings of dizziness include:

• Injuries: Especially to the head, such as those sustained from falls, collisions, or contact sports; dizziness is a common symptom following head and neck trauma.
• Migraine: Commonly seen in younger individuals, migraines are intense headaches characterized by pulsating pain typically focused at the front or one side of the head.
• Acoustic Neuroma: A rare non-cancerous brain tumor that develops on the auditory nerve near the inner ear.
• Perilymph Fistula: A health issue that occurs due to leakage of inner ear fluids into the middle ear caused by a rupture in the membranes between the two.
• Herpes Zoster Oticus: A health condition marked by herpes zoster affecting the ears or surrounding areas.
• Multiple Sclerosis: A neurological disorder affecting the central nervous system that comprises the brain and spinal cord.
• Otosclerosis: Characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear that leads to hearing loss.
• Ataxia: A condition resulting in muscle weakness.
• Brain Tumors: Such as growths in the cerebellum, located at the lower back of the brain.
• Stroke: Where blood supply to parts of the brain ceases, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), indicating a temporary interruption in blood flow to the brain.
• Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by a specific type of bacteria.

When to See a Doctor

Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable if dizziness presents with any of the following characteristics:

• Repetitive.
• Severe.
• Prolonged and unexplained.
• Sudden onset.

Immediate medical attention should be sought if severe, newly-occurring dizziness is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden and intense headache.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Numbness or paralysis in the arms or legs.
• Double vision.
• Seizures.
• Sudden changes in hearing.
• Facial weakness or numbness.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Fainting.
• Chest pain.
• Confusion, disorientation, or slurred speech.
• Difficulty walking or stumbling.
• Persistent vomiting.
• High fever or feeling excessively hot and cold.
• General illness or severe discomfort.