Understanding the Causes of Vertigo: A Deep Dive into the Dizzying World of Balance Disorders

Lovedeep Kholia
3 days ago
2 min read

Vertigo isn’t just a fleeting spell of dizziness—it’s a false sensation that either you or your surroundings are spinning. It can be unsettling, often affecting daily life, and is usually a symptom of an underlying issue. At Unicare Speech & Hearing Clinic, helping patients understand the “why” behind their symptoms is just as important as treating them. So, let’s explore the major causes of vertigo in depth.

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Diagram illustrating BPPV with labeled parts of the inner ear: semicircular canals, displaced otoconia, utricle, and cochlea, in blue tones.

BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo, particularly in older adults. It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (called otoconia) shift from their normal location in the utricle of the inner ear into one of the semicircular canals. These misplaced crystals disrupt normal fluid movement, triggering vertigo when the head changes position—such as rolling over in bed or tilting the head.

2. Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis

Cross-section diagram of an ear showing inflamed inner ear in red. Labeled "Inflammation of the inner ear." Detailed structures visible.

Both these conditions stem from inflammation, often caused by a viral infection:

Vestibular neuritis involves inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which sends balance signals to the brain.
Labyrinthitis affects both the vestibular nerve and the cochlea, resulting in vertigo plus hearing loss or tinnitus.

Patients may experience a sudden, intense onset of vertigo, nausea, and difficulty with balance.

3. Meniere’s Disease

Diagram comparing a normal inner ear and one with Meniere’s Disease; features include endolymphatic sacs, acoustic nerves, and swelling.

This chronic disorder is linked to an abnormal buildup of fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear. Meniere’s typically presents with:

Episodic vertigo
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
A feeling of fullness in the ear
Progressive hearing loss

Though its exact cause remains unclear, autoimmune factors and viral infections may contribute.

4. Migrainous Vertigo (Vestibular Migraine)

Digital illustration of a person holding their head in pain with red and purple electrical sparks radiating from the forehead, set against a dark background.

People who suffer from migraines can also experience vertigo, with or without the headache. These episodes may be accompanied by:

Visual disturbances
Light and sound sensitivity
Imbalance or motion sensitivity

Triggers may include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, or sleep deprivation.

5. Acoustic Neuroma

Cross-section of ear showing acoustic neuroma. Labels highlight the tumor, brainstem, and nerves in a detailed medical diagram.

Also known as vestibular schwannoma, this is a rare, non-cancerous tumor that grows on the vestibulocochlear nerve. As it enlarges, it may cause:

Unilateral hearing loss
Tinnitus
Gradual onset of vertigo or imbalance

Early diagnosis is key, often detected via MRI.

6. Head Injury or Trauma

Illustration of a human skull side view showing the brain inside. The frontal lobe is highlighted in red. Visible jaw and spine.

A concussion, skull fracture, or injury to the inner ear can lead to vertigo. Post-traumatic vertigo may arise from:

Damage to the semicircular canals or otolith organs
Vestibular migraines
BPPV triggered by head trauma

7. Medication-Induced Vertigo (Ototoxicity)

Various pill blister packs in blue, orange, and white, scattered on a white surface. No visible text, creating a clinical mood.

Certain medications can damage the inner ear or affect brain function. These include:

Aminoglycoside antibiotics
Chemotherapy drugs (like cisplatin)
Loop diuretics
High doses of aspirin

Patients often experience balance issues, tinnitus, or hearing loss alongside vertigo.

8. Neurological Disorders

Glowing neurons with branching axons, vivid pink and blue colors over a dark background, emitting a connected, energetic vibe.

Vertigo may also signal issues in the brain:

Multiple sclerosis
Stroke
Brain tumors
Cerebellar dysfunction

These conditions often present with other neurological signs like double vision, numbness, or coordination problems.

When to Seek Help Persistent, recurring, or sudden vertigo deserves a professional evaluation—especially when paired with hearing changes, imbalance, or neurological symptoms. At Unicare Speech & Hearing Clinic, our audiologists and ENT specialists collaborate to uncover the root cause and recommend personalized treatment strategies.