The causes of vertigo generally have something to do with the nerves and the structures of the balance mechanism in the inner ear or the vestibular system that sense movement and changes in the head position. Vertigo is usually described as a spinning sensation, and it is as if you or your surroundings are moving.

This spinning sensation is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying medical condition. The causes of vertigo include:

• Meniere's Disease – a chronic inner ear disorder, the symptoms of which also include tinnitus or ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and a sense of fullness in the ears.

• Inflammation in the inner ear (acute vestibular neuronitis or labyrinthitis) – its most common cause is a viral or bacterial infection.

• Acoustic neuroma – a benign growth on the vestibular nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain.

• Ototoxicity – certain medications may be harmful to the ears, examples of which include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antihypertensives, and loop diuretics.

• Migraine – a severe form of headache, the spinning sensation experienced is usually followed by a headache.

• Head trauma – those who received a violent blow on the head may suffer either a temporary or permanent damage to the inner ear that causes balance problems.

• Drop in blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension – it can take place upon rising from a lying or sitting position to a standing position.

To evaluate vertigo and determine its probable cause, a physical exam is conducted and your medical history is looked into. Most probably, your doctor would ask if you experience any sensation of motion as well as nausea, vomiting, sweating, and abnormal eye movements. He or she will also ask you if you experience tinnitus, hearing loss, visual disturbances, altered level of consciousness, and difficulty in speaking. A specialized test such as a CT scan may also be performed if a brain injury is suspected.

The causes of vertigo usually dictate the kind of treatment that a sufferer should have. For instance, if the cause is Meniere's Disease, a low salt diet as well as a medication used to increase urine output is often recommended. A hole in the inner ear that causes recurrent infection may require referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for surgery. Antibiotics are usually prescribed, on the other hand, if the root cause is bacterial infection. Aside from these, physical maneuvers can also be made use of, including vestibular rehabilitation exercises and particle positioning maneuver.