Understanding Vestibular Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Vestibular vertigo is an inner ear condition that can cause vertigo and balance issues. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of vestibular vertigo or are interested in learning more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition, you can find the information you need in this comprehensive overview.

What Is Vestibular Vertigo?

Vestibular vertigo occurs when there’s an issue with the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible not just for hearing but is also where the vestibular system is located. This system includes otolith organs and semicircular canals that detect head movements. This information is used to provide your brain with information that supports your balance. When something goes wrong with the vestibular system, you can experience dizziness and vertigo—the classic signs of vestibular vertigo.

What Causes Vestibular Vertigo?

There are many different things that can cause vestibular vertigo. Some of the most common causes of vestibular vertigo include:

• Medications – Certain medications can interfere with the vestibular system, resulting in dizziness and vertigo.
• Infection – Infections like labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis can result in vestibular vertigo.
• Inner ear conditions – Poor circulation of the inner ear, calcium debris in the semicircular canals, and other inner ear conditions can affect the vestibular system.
• Traumatic brain injury – Problems rooted in the brain may also result in not processing signals from the vestibular system correctly.

Symptoms of Vestibular Vertigo

Vestibular vertigo results in a variety of symptoms related to balance and vertigo. If you have vestibular vertigo, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Feeling off-balance
• Tripping or stumbling
• Feeling like the world is spinning
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• A floating sensation
• Disorientation

Less common symptoms of vestibular vertigo include nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, fear, and vomiting. However, these symptoms are associated with a wide range of conditions. Therefore, it’s important to seek out a professional diagnosis to confirm if you have vestibular vertigo. Diagnosis may involve a hearing or vision exam, blood tests, imaging tests, and clinical assessments of your balance.

Treatment for Vestibular Vertigo

The treatment for vestibular vertigo will depend on the cause of your symptoms. For instance, if your vertigo is linked to a medication you’re currently on, your doctor may work with you to find an alternative or adjust the dosage. If an infection is causing your vertigo, medications may be prescribed. In other cases, lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, can help ease symptoms as well. For those with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the Epley maneuver may help. This is a specific series of head movements designed to help alleviate vertigo symptoms. For more severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair damage to the inner ear structures.

Diagnostic & Treatment Services at Autumn Oak

Autumn Oak Speech, Voice, and Hearing is your source for vestibular vertigo diagnosis and treatment services in the Friendswood, Texas, area. If you’re experiencing symptoms of vestibular vertigo or have any other concerns about your hearing or speech, you can rely on our experienced specialists for the clinical care you need. Contact Autumn Oak Speech, Voice, and Hearing today to learn more about vestibular vertigo and to schedule an appointment at our office in Friendswood, TX.