Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness that can significantly impact daily life. It is often linked to inner ear disorders that affect balance and spatial orientation. In this blog, we explore the common causes of vertigo, symptoms, and the best treatment options available from an ENT specialist.

Common Inner Ear Causes of Vertigo

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged, irritating the balance system. Symptoms include:
✅ Sudden dizziness triggered by head movements
✅ Brief episodes of vertigo (lasting seconds to minutes)
✅ Nausea or unsteadiness

2. Meniere’s Disease

A disorder caused by excess fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to:
✅ Recurrent vertigo attacks (lasting minutes to hours)
✅ Hearing loss that comes and goes
✅ Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
✅ Ear fullness or pressure

3. Vestibular Neuritis

This condition results from inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often due to a viral infection. Symptoms include:
✅ Sudden, intense vertigo that can last for days
✅ Nausea and vomiting
✅ Balance problems (without hearing loss)

4. Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the inner ear, often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms include:
✅ Severe vertigo
✅ Hearing loss in one ear
✅ Ear pain and fever (if bacterial)

5. Acoustic Neuroma

A non-cancerous tumor on the auditory nerve that can lead to:
✅ Gradual hearing loss in one ear
✅ Persistent dizziness or balance issues
✅ Ringing in the affected ear (tinnitus)

6. Cervical Spondylosis and Dizziness

Neck-related vertigo can occur due to cervical spondylosis (age-related wear of neck bones), causing:
✅ Neck pain with dizziness
✅ Poor blood circulation to the brain
✅ Head movements triggering vertigo

Treatment Options for Vertigo

ENT specialists provide various treatment options based on the underlying cause of vertigo.

🩺 Medications: Anti-vertigo drugs (such as betahistine) help control dizziness.
🛠️ Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Special exercises retrain the balance system.
💊 Steroids or Antiviral Medications: Used for infections like vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis.
🔄 Epley Maneuver: A repositioning technique for BPPV.
⚕️ Surgery: In rare cases, Meniere’s disease or acoustic neuroma may require surgical intervention.

When to See an ENT Specialist?

If you are experiencing frequent dizziness, hearing loss, or balance issues, consult an ENT doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention improves recovery and quality of life.

📞 Contact us today for an expert evaluation and effective vertigo treatment!