Vertigo is primarily caused by problems related to the inner ear or the brain that affect balance and spatial orientation. The most common causes include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This occurs when tiny calcium crystals (canaliths) in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals, disrupting the normal signals sent to the brain about head movement and balance. BPPV is the most frequent cause of vertigo and can be triggered by changes in head position
- Meniere's disease: This inner ear disorder involves a buildup of fluid and changes in ear pressure, causing episodes of vertigo along with hearing loss and ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: These are usually viral infections that inflame the vestibular nerve or inner ear, leading to intense and constant vertigo
- Migraines: Vertigo can occur with or without headache in people who experience migraines, often lasting from minutes to hours
Other causes include head or neck injuries, brain problems such as stroke or tumors, certain medications toxic to the ear, ear infections, acoustic neuroma (a noncancerous tumor), multiple sclerosis, and conditions affecting blood flow or pressure
. Vertigo results from the brain receiving conflicting signals about balance and spatial orientation, often due to inner ear disturbances or central nervous system issues
. In summary, vertigo is mainly caused by inner ear disorders like BPPV, Meniere's disease, and vestibular neuritis, as well as neurological conditions such as migraines and strokes