Vertigo

Vertigo is a common yet often misunderstood condition that causes a spinning sensation or a feeling that the environment is moving. About 30% of people in Canada experience vertigo at some point in their lives [1], and globally, the prevalence of vertigo ranges from 20% to 56%[2]. According to statistics, vertigo is one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor[2]. 

Though not life-threatening in most cases, vertigo symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life. 

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the false sensation of movement, such as spinning or swaying. It differs from general dizziness, which may involve lightheadedness or imbalance. Vertigo often results from disturbances in the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements.

Is Vertigo Serious?

While vertigo itself is not a disease, it can be a symptom of various underlying conditions. Some causes of vertigo are benign and self-limiting, while others may indicate more serious health issues. Persistent or severe vertigo warrants medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

What Is the Difference Between Dizziness and Vertigo?

Dizziness is a broad term describing sensations such as lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or feeling faint. Vertigo, a subset of dizziness, specifically refers to the illusion of movement, often described as spinning. Understanding this distinction helps in diagnosing the underlying issue.

Types of Vertigo

Vertigo is classified into two main types: peripheral vertigo and central vertigo [3].

Peripheral vertigo originates in the inner ear or vestibular nerve. It includes conditions like BPPV, Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, and labyrinthitis. These forms are more common and typically involve sudden, spinning sensations triggered by head movements.

Central vertigo arises from problems in the brainstem or cerebellum. It includes vertigo caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and vestibular migraines. This type is less common but often more persistent and serious.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo symptoms may vary, but often include:

• A spinning sensation (even when still)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unsteady gait or imbalance
• Sweating and lightheadedness
• Involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)

These symptoms of vertigo can last from a few seconds to hours, depending on the underlying cause.

Symptoms of Vertigo in Women

Symptoms of vertigo in women can differ due to hormonal and physiological factors. Women are also more likely to report dizziness, imbalance, and fatigue associated with vertigo.

Common unique symptoms of vertigo in women include:

• Increased episodes during menstruation or ovulation
• Vertigo linked with migraines or aura
• Nausea and vomiting more frequently reported
• Sleep disturbances or anxiety during vertigo episodes
• Sensitivity to sound, light, or smell

Is Vertigo a Stroke Warning?

Vertigo can sometimes signal a stroke, especially when accompanied by vision changes, slurred speech, numbness, or sudden weakness. If these occur, seek emergency care immediately.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact a specialist if:

• Vertigo lasts longer than a few hours or keeps returning
• It’s accompanied by hearing loss, severe headaches, or vision issues
• You experience fainting, weakness, or confusion
• Over-the-counter meds no longer help

An immediate visit to a specialist helps to exclude serious causes of vertigo, determine the cause of vertigo, and eliminate it.

What Causes Vertigo?

Understanding the causes of vertigo is the first step toward effective treatment. Vertigo occurs when there’s a disruption in the brain’s balance mechanisms—often tied to the inner ear, nerve signals, or circulation.

Common vertigo causes include:

• Inner Ear Disorders (BPPV, Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis)
• Vestibular nerve inflammation (vestibular neuritis)
• Ear infections
• Earwax buildup is blocking the ear canal
• Head injuries or whiplash
• Migraine headaches
• Neurological conditions (stroke, multiple sclerosis)
• High blood pressure
• Dehydration or anemia
• Overuse of alcohol or caffeine
• Lack of sleep and poor posture
• Stress and anxiety (Can stress cause vertigo? Yes, absolutely. Stress can disturb vestibular processing and blood flow.)

Each trigger alters the signals between the brain and the vestibular system, resulting in the characteristic spinning sensation and balance issues.

Causes of Vertigo in Women

There are several causes of vertigo in women that relate specifically to female physiology and lifestyle:

• Hormonal Changes: Estrogen fluctuations can affect fluid regulation in the inner ear. This is why vertigo worsens around menstruation or menopause.
• Pregnancy: Blood pressure shifts, increased fluid volume, and hormonal surges make dizziness and vertigo more common in expectant mothers.
• Iron-deficiency anemia: More prevalent in women, anemia can cause fatigue and dizziness, intensifying vertigo symptoms.
• Vestibular migraines: Women are disproportionately affected by migraines, a known vertigo trigger.
• Birth control pills or hormone therapy: May alter fluid balance and blood pressure, contributing to vertigo episodes.

Recognizing these gender-specific vertigo causes ensures more accurate diagnosis and effective care.

What Triggers Vertigo Attacks?

Knowing what triggers vertigo is critical for prevention. Triggers vary by individual and the underlying cause of their vertigo.

Common triggers include:

• Head movements (bending over, turning quickly)
• Dehydration
• Changes in barometric pressure (weather shifts)
• Bright lights or loud noises
• Stress and anxiety: These activate the sympathetic nervous system, which can impair balance processing.
• Sleep deprivation: Poor rest reduces the brain’s ability to compensate for sensory input.
• Dietary factors: Aged cheese, chocolate, salty foods, caffeine, and alcohol are known food triggers, especially in vestibular migraine patients.

Avoiding known vertigo triggers and maintaining a balance-friendly routine can significantly reduce episodes.

Risk Factors for Vertigo

Some people are more likely to experience vertigo due to specific risk factors. Typically, symptoms of vertigo are 4.4 times more pronounced in women and 1.8 times more pronounced in people over 50 [2].

Therefore, common risk factors for vertigo include:

• Age: Risk rises sharply after age 50
• Female gender: Women are more prone to vestibular conditions due to hormonal factors
• History of migraines or ear infections
• Cardiovascular conditions: Such as high blood pressure or arrhythmias
• Use of ototoxic medications: Certain antibiotics or diuretics can affect the inner ear
• Chronic stress: Can disrupt inner ear fluid balance and nervous system signaling
• Neck or spine injuries

Reducing these vertigo risk factors, when possible, can help prevent both initial and recurrent episodes.

Complications of Vertigo

While vertigo itself isn’t usually life-threatening, it can have serious consequences if left untreated. Frequent or sudden attacks increase the risk of falling, especially in older adults. Falls are a leading cause of injury among people over 65 and are often linked to balance disorders like vertigo.

Chronic vertigo symptoms can also interfere with driving, working, and socializing. The fear of triggering an episode may lead to isolation, inactivity, or depression. Over time, the loss of confidence in one’s stability can reduce the quality of life significantly.

In cases of central vertigo caused by neurological conditions, delayed diagnosis may allow underlying diseases to progress. This makes timely evaluation and treatment essential for both physical and emotional well-being.If you or someone you know is dealing with frequent vertigo symptoms, it’s important to seek help. A Moore MyoWorx specialist can help identify the cause and offer treatment options. Early treatment can prevent complications and improve quality of life.