Why Do People Have Vertigo?

According to the Mayo Clinic, vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning when they are not. People experiencing vertigo can sometimes feel nausea from the perceived movement.

Identification

Vertigo is a condition caused by damage or inflammation to the inner ear. When the inner ear is affected, a person can have the misconception that they are spinning, or that their surroundings are spinning, when they are not.

BPPV

One of the more common types of vertigo is a condition known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. It is caused when calcium particles break loose in your inner ear after you move your head and fall into the canals in your ear responsible for balance.

Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease is an inflammation that causes a build-up of fluid in the inner ear. The fluid puts pressure on the inner ear and causes vertigo.

Head Trauma

According to the University of Iowa, head trauma is one of the most common causes of vertigo. Vertigo from head trauma could be temporary or permanent, depending on the condition and the extent of the damage to the inner ear.

Common Cold

Another prolific cause of vertigo is the common cold. A viral infection that affects the sinuses and parts of the inner ear can create temporary vertigo.

References

• NeurologyChannel.com--Vertigo
• Mayo Clinic--Dizziness
• University of Iowa--Vertigo: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Healthscout.com--Vertigo