Vertigo

Dizziness, vertigo and balance-related disorders are one among the most common health problems among adults. Nearly 40 percent of all adults in the United States have experienced symptoms related to vertigo at least once in their lifetime, with women experiencing the condition slightly more than men.

Vertigo causes patients to feel a false sense of motion. A number of health disorders can cause dizziness, although the cause of vertigo is unknown in many cases. Dizziness and vertigo can occur because of a problem with the body's vestibular system which include structures of the inner ear, vestibular nerve, brain stem and cerebellum. This system regulates balance, posture and the body's orientation in space.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV occurs with head or body movements, particularly when lying in bed or leaning over, will cause a brief vertigo attack that lasts under one minute. BPPV occurs when tiny microscopic calcium deposits (otoliths) become trapped in one of the three semicircular canals that comprise the vestibular system. It is the most common cause of vertigo and can be treated effectively.

Another type of dizziness and vertigo related to the vestibular system is Meniere's disease. This is a condition in which there is an imbalance of fluids in the inner ear. It may cause a person to experience periods of vertigo lasting from minutes to hours. It is frequently accompanied by low frequency hearing loss, tinnitus, and nausea.

Viral and Bacterial Labyrinthitis

Viral and bacterial labyrinthitis is a disorder that results from inflammation within the inner ear, and may cause vertigo attacks lasting from hours to days.

Other types of vertigo and balance related disorders may be neurologically based, such as, strokes, brain tumors, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), multiple sclerosis (MS), or migraine headaches. Some non-neurological causes for vertigo or balance disorders include orthostatic hypotension, heart arrhythmias, diabetes, hyperventilation, and the use of multiple prescription and non-prescription medications. Vertigo, dizziness and balance-related disorders may also be the result of psychiatric or emotional problems, from panic attacks or anxiety.

Signs and Symptoms

Both patients and medical professionals may misinterpret symptoms and descriptions of vertigo. A patient's accurate description of the symptoms is essential to the medical professional in directing and uncovering a vertigo or balance-related disorder. Therefore, defining the meaning or definition of vertigo will help both parties communicate effectively.

Vertigo by definition is a false sensation of movement, either of one's self or of one's surroundings. It is a sensation of motion best described as a spinning, whirling, or movement horizontally or vertically. Vertigo attacks may be constant or periodic and can last from seconds to days.

Other descriptions or symptoms associated with vertigo or balance related disorders may include, but are not limited to:

• Nausea or emesis (vomiting)
• Diaphoresis (sweating)
• Nystagmus (abnormal/involuntary eye movements)
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Diplopia (blurred vision)
• Oscillopsia (visual disturbances)
• Weakness/numbness
• Dysarthria (difficulty speaking or slurred speech)
• Ataxic gait (difficulty walking)
• Syncope or pre-syncope (faintness)

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact: Audiology at (415) 353-2101

For help finding a doctor, contact our Physician Referral Service:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007