Identifying Your Symptoms Can Help Treat Your Vertigo

Learn Why You Might Feel Dizzy and What Can Help

Dizziness, a common symptom that affects more than 90 million Americans, has been reported to be the most common complaint in patients 75 years of age or older. For some people, dizziness is a brief, passing sensation brought on by dehydration, stress, or fatigue. For others, it may be a recurring and disruptive symptom of a balance condition known as vertigo.

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 35% of adults aged 40 years or older — approximately 69 million Americans — demonstrate some form of vestibular (balance) dysfunction. While vertigo is more common in women and becomes more prevalent with age, it can affect people of all ages, including children.

Vertigo itself is not typically dangerous, but the symptoms associated with it can significantly affect quality of life. In mild cases, vertigo may lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, reduced productivity at work, or feelings of frustration and discouragement. In more severe cases, vertigo can make standing or walking difficult, increase the risk of falls, and lead to serious injury.

Because vertigo can present in different ways, understanding your specific symptoms is an important first step toward effective treatment. The details you notice (how often symptoms occur, how long they last, and what triggers them) can help your hearing and balance care provider determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate care.

Most equilibrium disorders generally fall into two broad categories:

• Acute episodes of dizziness or loss of balance, which may last anywhere from a few seconds to several hours and often occur with specific head or body movements
• A persistent sense of imbalance or unsteadiness, sometimes described as feeling “off,” “tilted,” or unsure on your feet, even when standing still

Recognizing which pattern best matches your experience can provide valuable insight into what may be happening within your balance system.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo most often occurs as a result of a disturbance in the body’s equilibrium system, specifically within the vestibular system of the inner ear. This system works closely with your eyes and brain to help you maintain balance and keep objects in focus while you move. When something interferes with this process, the result can be the spinning or swaying sensation commonly associated with vertigo.

Several vestibular disorders are known to cause vertigo, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is the most common type of vertigo and accounts for approximately half of all vertigo complaints, particularly among older adults. In BPPV, tiny particles made of calcium and protein become dislodged and move into the inner-ear canals. When the head changes position, these particles shift and stimulate nerve endings, sending confusing signals to the brain and triggering vertigo.

Episodes are typically brief but can be intense and may be accompanied by nausea, balance difficulties, or visual disturbances. BPPV is often associated with head injuries, infections, or natural age-related changes in the inner ear.

Ménière’s disease

Ménière’s disease is an inner-ear disorder thought to result from excess fluid and changes in pressure within the inner ear. It usually affects only one ear and is characterized by sudden episodes of vertigo that may be preceded by muffled hearing or tinnitus. Many people also experience a feeling of fullness in the affected ear and fluctuating hearing loss, which may be temporary or permanent.

Ménière’s is considered a chronic condition and most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60, though it can occur at any age. While there is no cure, treatment strategies aimed at managing vertigo symptoms and regulating fluid balance are often effective in reducing the severity and frequency of episodes.

Vestibular neuritis

Vestibular neuritis is typically associated with infections that cause inflammation in the inner ear, particularly around the nerves responsible for balance. When these nerves become inflamed, they are unable to send accurate information to the brain, leading to vertigo and, in some cases, vision or hearing disturbances.

Symptoms often appear suddenly and can be intense. Treatment generally focuses on relieving dizziness and nausea while the infection resolves, using medications such as antibiotics, steroids, or antivirals when appropriate. In most cases, symptoms improve over time, though some individuals may experience lingering balance issues.

Ototoxicity

Ototoxicity occurs when medications or chemicals damage the inner ear or vestibular nerves. A wide range of prescription and over-the-counter drugs can have ototoxic effects, particularly when taken in high doses or over long periods of time.

Symptoms may include vertigo, blurred or bouncing vision, headaches, fatigue, and nausea. Because there are many potential ototoxic substances, identifying the exact cause can be challenging. Treatment typically focuses on supporting balance function and reducing symptoms while the body processes and eliminates the offending substance.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Balance

If dizziness or balance problems are affecting your daily life, you don’t have to manage them on your own. A comprehensive hearing and balance evaluation can help identify the source of your symptoms and determine the most effective path forward.

Schedule a visit with our team to get clear answers, personalized guidance, and support designed to help you feel steady and confident again.

Your balance matters, and help is available.

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