What Causes Vertigo?

If you've ever felt the room spin — even while you stood still — you're not alone. Vertigo makes you feel like your surroundings are moving when they’re not, and can seriously impact your daily life. 

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Lalani diagnoses and treats balance disorders, including those that cause vertigo, right here in Sugar Land, Texas.

Here, our team explains what vertigo is, what causes it, and, most importantly, how we can help you find relief.

Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy

Although many people use the terms interchangeably, “vertigo” and “dizziness” aren’t quite the same. Vertigo refers to a specific type of dizziness that creates a distinct spinning or tilting sensation. 

You may feel like you’re swaying, rocking, or being pulled in one direction. Vertigo episodes can come in sudden waves or last for hours.

Dizziness, on the other hand, covers a broader range of sensations. You might say you feel dizzy if you stand up too fast or feel faint. Your head may feel heavy, or you could be simply unsteady on your feet. Low blood pressure, low blood sugar, dehydration, or heat exhaustion can cause general lightheadedness and dizziness.

The main takeaway: Vertigo falls under dizziness, but involves the illusion of a spinning movement.

6 common causes of vertigo

Vertigo isn’t a disease; instead, it signals an underlying issue. But before you can get to the treatment, you need to figure out what triggers your vertigo. That’s where we come in. 

The most common causes include:

1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV ranks as the most frequent cause of vertigo. In fact, 20% of people who report dizziness are diagnosed with BPPV.

It occurs when tiny crystals in your inner ear shift out of place and disrupt your balance signals. You might notice symptoms when you tilt your head, roll over in bed, or look up.

2. Migraines

Some people experience vestibular migraines, which include vertigo or balance problems even without a headache. This is referred to as migraine-associated vertigo. 

Vestibular migraines are the second-most common cause of dizziness, affecting about 3% of Americans.

Stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes often trigger these episodes.

3. Inner ear infections or inflammation

Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, two types of viral infections, can inflame the nerves in your inner ear. Inflamed nerves can make you more prone to vertigo. 

These conditions often come with sudden, severe vertigo and may also include nausea and balance problems.

4. Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease, an inner ear disorder, affects the fluid levels in your inner ear. It can cause episodes of vertigo along with ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and aural fullness (fullness in your ears). 

In most cases, Meniere’s disease only affects one ear.

5. Head or neck injuries

A concussion or whiplash can damage your vestibular system and lead to lingering vertigo symptoms long after the injury. Dizziness is the second-most common concussion symptom. 

Unfortunately, 50% of people with a concussion continue to experience dizziness one month later, and as many as 15% still struggle with it one year later.

6. Neurological conditions

Though rare, vertigo can be a sign of a more serious issue like multiple sclerosis, stroke, or a brain tumor. That’s why you should seek evaluation if your symptoms are sudden, severe, or worsening.

How we treat vertigo

Treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause. It may involve disease-specific medications, physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, lifestyle modifications, or, in some cases, surgery. 

Most importantly, Dr. Lalani explains your diagnosis and walks you through the treatment options that fit you best.

When to see a specialist for vertigo

If your vertigo keeps coming back, interferes with daily tasks, or comes with other concerning symptoms (like double vision), don’t wait it out. 

At Irfan Lalani Medical, our team takes a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating vertigo. Dr. Lalani performs a thorough evaluation, including balance testing, imaging (if needed), and a full medical history review to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. 

Whether your vertigo is due to BPPV, migraines, or another condition, we’ll create a care plan that works for you.

To schedule an appointment or to learn more about your treatment options, call our Sugar Land, Texas, office at 979-401-4263, or request an appointment online.