Sources of Vertigo

There are a lot of different conditions that can cause vertigo which is why it is such a common ailment. However, we’re going to look at a few of the more common vertigo causes. We will also discuss a natural remedy for vertigo that many people are starting to discover. Let’s start with our list of 7 possible vertigo sources.

#1 Earwax Impaction

Your body naturally produces earwax every day. Some people produce more than others. If earwax builds up too much, it can affect the body’s natural ability to balance itself and detect spatial orientation. Unfortunately, some people attempt to use cotton swabs to remove earwax at home. This is dangerous and can actually push earwax further into the ear leading to impaction. If you do have an overabundance of earwax (called cerumen), you can get it removed safely by an ear doctor, who can also give you tips on how to keep the ear clear safely.

#2 Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV or positional vertigo)

BPPV is a condition where vertigo is caused by certain movements of the head (hence the word positional). This is one of the more common sources of vertigo. In some cases, a series of maneuvers (such as the Epley maneuver) can correct the problem. Your doctor can help you to attempt this maneuver and may even be able to provide you with a version to perform at home should vertigo return.

#3 Meniere’s Disease

This vestibular condition is a little less common, but it still affects hundreds of thousands of people in the US alone. While there is no specific test that confirms Meniere’s, there are four primary symptoms that exhibit themselves in particular ways that can help a physician to provide an accurate diagnosis.

• Vertigo – Episodes last from 20 minutes to 24 hours and are often severe. This can lead to nausea and vomiting or even falls.
• Tinnitus – This presents as a ringing, buzzing, or rushing sound in the ear. When associated with Meniere’s, it can be severe.
• Hearing loss – Hearing loss associated with vertigo starts with lower frequencies. Thus, a hearing test is often part of the diagnosis. The upper-frequency range is lost during later stages of Meniere’s. Therefore, a hearing test may also indicate the severity of the condition.
• Feeling of fullness in the ear – The good news is that Meniere’s usually only affects one ear. The patient often knows which ear because it may feel full, especially during a flare-up. This is due to an abundance of fluid in the inner ear called endolymphatic hydrops.

#4 Migraines

Central vertigo refers to vertigo causes that start in the central nervous system. Migraines are a prime example. Up to 40% of migraines feature vestibular symptoms such as vertigo. When this occurs, they may be referred to as vestibular migraines. Migraines and vertigo seem to go hand in hand and can both be related to brainstem function and the amount of blood reaching the brain.

#5 Stroke

The most dangerous vertigo causes are stroke and heart attack. If you have additional symptoms of stroke or a cardiac event, you need emergency help immediately. Treatment options involve timely care, so call 911 if you believe someone is suffering a stroke.

#6 Other Neurological Conditions

Besides migraines, there are a number of other neurological conditions that can cause vertigo. A couple of degenerative conditions that can lead to vertigo include multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. Vertigo is not an extremely common MS symptom, but about 1 in 5 patients have occasional episodes. Dizziness and falls can actually be early warning signs of Parkinson’s.

#7 Trauma

Vertigo is common following various types of head and neck injuries. It can occur as a part of post-concussion syndrome. After a whiplash-type injury, it is not uncommon for vertigo to develop, sometimes even years after the actual injury. How is the neck related to vertigo?

Vertigo and Your Neck

The top two bones in the neck, the C1 and C2, are located right at the base of the skull where the brainstem meets the spinal cord. The cervical vertebrae are also responsible for providing safe passage of blood to the brain thanks to the vertebral foramen. As a result, even the slightest misalignment can affect brainstem function or the brain’s vital blood supply. Either of these factors can lead to vertigo and numerous other symptoms. The Eustachian tubes may also be affected, leading to difficulties draining fluid from the ear properly. Meniere’s disease may be related to this issue.

A Natural Solution for Vertigo

To correct misalignments in the C1 and C2 that can lead to vertigo, we’d like to introduce you to a chiropractic subspecialty called upper cervical chiropractic. If you’ve never heard of this, it is because there are a limited number of upper cervical chiropractors who have been specifically trained to detect and correct C1 and C2 misalignments. However, our numbers are growing, and this site can help you to find the closest practice to you.

If you are suffering from one of these sources of vertigo, especially if you suffer from neck pain or have a history of head or neck trauma, contact a practice near you today. A precise and gentle adjustment may be just what you need in order to see fewer and less severe vertigo episodes. Some patients even end up completely vertigo-free. Schedule a no-obligation consultation to get started.

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