Dizziness From Inner Ear Disorders

Inner ear disorders can cause dizziness or vertigo. A person with vertigo may feel as though he is spinning around in space. This is called subjective vertigo. Another type of vertigo is called objective vertigo. A person with this disorder feels he is standing still while his surroundings are turning around him.

Vertigo often begins suddenly and may vary in intensity. It may be constant or it may come and go. Vertigo is often mistaken for lightheadedness. Lightheadedness is a feeling that you are going to lose consciousness or pass out. This feeling is not caused by an inner ear problem, but is due to a lack of oxygen flowing to the brain.

Unlike lightheadedness, vertigo can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• tinnitus or ringing in the ears

• decreased hearing and

• ear pain

About one third of persons with vertigo have a disorder of the nerve that ends in the part of the inner ear called the labyrinth. There can also be problems with the inner ear and labyrinth such as:

• fluid build-up

• infection

• tumors or

• conditions that cause motion sickness

Problems outside the inner ear can also cause vertigo. These include:

• medications

• injury to the brain and

• migraine headache

Because there are many causes of vertigo in addition to inner ear problems, it is important to obtain an accurate medical diagnosis. Vertigo may subside when the underlying cause is treated. Your provider may suggest a trial of antihistamine and anti-nausea medications to decrease symptoms. Many cases of vertigo will resolve on their own. In some cases surgical procedures may be a part of the treatment.

It is normal for persons with vertigo to feel out of control and frightened. In most cases, the causes of vertigo are not a serious health threat. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience vertigo.

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