Vertigo

Vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders are often thought to be different names for the same disorder, but in fact they may be separate disorders with different causes and effects. These related disorders are among the most common health problems in adults. Nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults experience vertigo, dizziness or a balance disorder at least once in their lifetime, with a slightly higher incidence in women than men. Dizziness and vertigo can occur because of a problem with the body's vestibular system, which includes structures of the inner ear, vestibular nerve, brain stem and cerebellum. This system regulates balance, posture and the body's orientation in space.

At the UCSF Medical Center Audiology Clinic, our experts assess patients to determine potential causes of vertigo, dizziness and balance problems and to recommend treatments.

Causes

Although the cause is unknown in many cases, a number of disorders can cause vertigo, dizziness and imbalance. Those conditions include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo(BPPV)

In people with BPPV, head or body movements — particularly when lying in bed or leaning over — can cause a brief vertigo attack that lasts less than one minute. BPPV occurs when microscopic calcium deposits called otoliths are trapped in one of the three semicircular canals that make up the vestibular system. BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and can be treated effectively.

Meniere's Disease

Meniere's Disease results from an imbalance of fluids in the inner ear, which can cause periods of vertigo lasting from minutes to hours. It's frequently accompanied by fluctuating, low-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears, known as aural fullness.

Viral and Bacterial Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis results from inflammation within the inner ear, and may cause vertigo attacks lasting from hours to days.

Other Causes

Various neurological conditions can also cause vertigo and balance problems. These include:

• Brain tumors
• Migraine headaches
• Strokes
• Transient ischemic attacks or TIAs
• Multiple sclerosis

Other, non-neurological causes include:

• Diabetes
• Heart arrhythmias
• Hyperventilation
• Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden decrease in blood pressure when you stand up
• Psychiatric or emotional problems such as panic attacks and anxiety
• Use of multiple prescription and non-prescription medications

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

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated January 26, 2009