Why might someone have vertigo?

Balance | Sound Audiology

Have you ever rolled over in bed and felt as though the room was spinning? Or had a sudden sensation that you were moving while standing still? That feeling is called vertigo.

Vertigo is a type of dizziness, but dizziness does not always mean vertigo. Some people feel faint or lightheaded; others feel unsteady on their feet. Describing exactly what you feel can help a clinician investigate the cause.

What causes vertigo?

Your inner ears help your brain detect movement and maintain balance. Several conditions can affect that system:

• BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) happens when tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of place. It often causes brief spinning when you roll over in bed, lie down, sit up or look upwards.
• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis can cause a more prolonged episode of vertigo. Labyrinthitis may also involve hearing changes.
• Vestibular migraine can cause episodes of vertigo, sometimes without a headache.
• Ménière’s disease can cause recurring vertigo alongside symptoms such as hearing changes, tinnitus or fullness in an ear.