Types of Vertigo: Detailed Descriptions of Central and Peripheral Vertigo

Have you ever stood completely still and yet felt as though everything around you is spinning? The term “vertigo” refers to the unpleasant feeling. Even though vertigo can be very unsettling, being aware of its various forms might help you better manage the illness. We’ll examine the various forms of vertigo in this blog article, with a particular emphasis on central and peripheral vertigo, and we’ll give thorough explanations of each. Now let’s get started!

 

Types of Vertigo

Vertigo is broadly classified into two main types: peripheral vertigo and central vertigo. Each type has distinct characteristics and causes.

Peripheral Vertigo

Peripheral vertigo stems from issues within the inner ear, disrupting the body’s balance system. Common causes include conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and labyrinthitis. These conditions often result from factors such as viral infections, head injuries, or age-related changes. Symptoms can range from brief episodes of dizziness triggered by head movements to severe, recurrent bouts of vertigo accompanied by hearing loss and nausea. Seeking medical evaluation and appropriate treatment is essential for managing peripheral vertigo effectively and improving overall quality of life.

 

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is a common cause of vertigo that occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear, called canaliths, become dislodged and move into one of the ear’s semicircular canals. These canals are filled with fluid and play a key role in sensing head movement.

Symptoms of BPPV:

• Brief episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position, such as turning over in bed or looking up.
• Nausea and sometimes vomiting.
• A sensation of spinning or moving.

Causes:

• Head injuries
• Prolonged bed rest
• Aging
• Migraines

2. Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that leads to recurrent episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.

Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease:

• Sudden and severe vertigo episodes that can last several hours.
• Fluctuating hearing loss, typically in one ear.
• Tinnitus and aural fullness.

Causes:

• Abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear
• Viral infections
• Genetic predisposition
• Autoimmune responses

3. Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis, also known as labyrinthitis, involves inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which sends balance and head position information from the inner ear to the brain.

Symptoms of Vestibular Neuritis:

• Sudden onset of severe vertigo.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Difficulty with balance and walking.
• Absence of hearing loss (in vestibular neuritis) or presence of hearing loss (in labyrinthitis).

Causes:

• Viral infections, such as herpes viruses or respiratory infections

4. Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis, a type of peripheral vertigo, occurs when the labyrinth, a structure in the inner ear, becomes inflamed. This affects both hearing and balance, causing vertigo and other symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Vertigo
• Dizziness
• Hearing loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty with balance

Causes:

• Viral infections, like the common cold or flu
• Bacterial infections, less common but more severe

5. Perilymph Fistula

A perilymph fistula occurs when there is a tear or defect in one of the membranes separating the middle ear from the inner ear, allowing fluid to leak into the middle ear.

Symptoms:

• Vertigo, often triggered by changes in pressure (sneezing, coughing, or straining)
• Hearing loss
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear

Causes:

• Head injuries
• Barotrauma (sudden changes in pressure, such as during scuba diving or flying)
• Physical exertion
• Chronic ear infections

Central Vertigo

Image Source: Canva

Central vertigo originates from issues within the brain, particularly the brainstem or cerebellum, affecting the body’s balance and spatial orientation. Conditions like migrainous vertigo, multiple sclerosis (MS), and strokes can lead to central vertigo. Symptoms may include persistent vertigo, headaches, numbness, and difficulty speaking or understanding speech. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for diagnosing and managing central vertigo effectively. Treatment strategies often involve addressing the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and implementing lifestyle changes to improve overall well-being.

 

1. Migraine-Associated Vertigo

Also known as vestibular migraine, this type of vertigo occurs in people who have a history of migraines. It’s characterized by vertigo episodes that coincide with or occur independently of migraine headaches.

Symptoms of Migraine-Associated Vertigo:

• Vertigo lasting minutes to hours, sometimes days.
• Migraine symptoms such as headache, light sensitivity, and nausea.
• Visual disturbances.

Causes of Migraine-Associated Vertigo: The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in the brainstem and how it processes balance signals during a migraine.

2. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.

Symptoms of MS-Related Vertigo:

• Vertigo and dizziness.
• Other neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, and visual disturbances.
• Episodes of vertigo can vary in duration and intensity.

Causes of MS-Related Vertigo: When MS affects areas of the brain that control balance (such as the cerebellum or brainstem), it can cause vertigo.

3. Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to brain damage.

Symptoms of Stroke-Related Vertigo:

• Sudden onset of vertigo.
• Other stroke symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, and severe headache.
• Loss of coordination and balance.

Causes of Stroke-Related Vertigo: Strokes that affect the brainstem or cerebellum can disrupt the balance centers of the brain, leading to vertigo.

4. Brain Tumors

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain. Tumors in areas of the brain responsible for balance can cause vertigo.

Symptoms of Tumor-Related Vertigo:

• Persistent vertigo.
• Other neurological symptoms like headaches, vision problems, and changes in speech or hearing.
• Gradual onset of symptoms as the tumor grows.

Causes of Tumor-Related Vertigo: As a tumor grows, it can press on areas of the brain involved in balance and spatial orientation, leading to vertigo and other symptoms.

Conclusion

Understanding the various types of vertigo, including both central and peripheral vertigo, is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. Central vertigo, originating from the brain, and peripheral vertigo, deriving from inner ear issues, each have distinct causes and symptoms. By recognizing these differences, individuals can seek appropriate medical care and manage their symptoms more effectively. Whether dealing with a common condition like BPPV or a more complex issue like labyrinthitis, knowledge is essential to navigating the challenges of vertigo. If you experience persistent or severe vertigo, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

FAQ’s

 

What are the main types of vertigo?

– There are two main types of vertigo: peripheral vertigo, which stems from issues within the inner ear, and central vertigo, which originates from issues within the brain.

What are the common causes of peripheral vertigo?

– Common causes of peripheral vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis, and vestibular neuritis.

What are the symptoms of BPPV?

– Symptoms of BPPV include brief episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position, nausea and sometimes vomiting, and a sensation of spinning or moving.

What is Meniere’s disease?

– Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that leads to recurrent episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.

What are the symptoms of central vertigo?

– Symptoms of central vertigo include persistent vertigo, headaches, numbness, and difficulty speaking or understanding speech.

What is migrainous vertigo?

– Migrainous vertigo, also known as vestibular migraine, is a type of central vertigo that occurs in people who have a history of migraines.

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)-related vertigo?

– Symptoms of MS-related vertigo include vertigo and dizziness, as well as other neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, and visual disturbances.

What is the treatment for peripheral vertigo?

– Treatment for peripheral vertigo typically involves addressing the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and implementing lifestyle changes to improve overall well-being.

What are the symptoms of stroke-related vertigo?

– Symptoms of stroke-related vertigo include sudden onset of vertigo, as well as other stroke symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, and severe headache.

 

What are the symptoms of brain tumor-related vertigo?

– Symptoms of brain tumor-related vertigo include persistent vertigo, as well as other neurological symptoms like headaches, vision problems, and changes in speech or hearing.