What are the different types of vertigo?

October 28, 2024

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What are the different types of vertigo?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the sensation that either you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. It is typically caused by issues related to the inner ear (vestibular system) or the brain. The different types of vertigo are often classified based on their causes and symptoms. Here are the main types:

1. Peripheral Vertigo

  • Peripheral vertigo occurs due to problems in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. It is the most common type of vertigo and tends to be more intense in its symptoms.
  • Common Causes of Peripheral Vertigo:
    • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
      • The most common cause of vertigo.
      • Occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) in the inner ear become dislodged and enter the ear canals, causing the sensation of spinning.
      • Triggered by specific head movements, such as turning or tilting the head.
    • Meniere’s Disease:
      • A disorder of the inner ear that causes recurrent episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
      • Episodes can last for several hours and may come with fluctuating hearing loss.
    • Labyrinthitis:
      • An inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth (usually due to a viral infection), which affects both hearing and balance.
      • Symptoms may include vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and hearing loss.
    • Vestibular Neuritis:
      • An inflammation of the vestibular nerve, usually caused by a viral infection, that affects balance but not hearing.
      • Causes sudden severe vertigo that can last for days, with gradual improvement over time.
    • Perilymph Fistula:
      • A tear or defect between the middle ear and inner ear that causes dizziness or vertigo, usually following trauma, surgery, or severe pressure changes (like during diving).

2. Central Vertigo

  • Central vertigo is caused by problems in the brain, particularly in the brainstem or cerebellum, which are responsible for balance and coordination. Central vertigo tends to be less intense but longer-lasting than peripheral vertigo and is often accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
  • Common Causes of Central Vertigo:
    • Migraine-Associated Vertigo (Vestibular Migraine):
      • Vertigo is associated with migraine headaches or occurs independently, without the headache.
      • It can be triggered by stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, or sensory stimuli like bright lights or loud sounds.
      • Episodes can last for minutes to hours and may include light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, and visual disturbances.
    • Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):
      • Vertigo can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially if it occurs suddenly along with other neurological signs like weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision changes.
    • Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
      • Vertigo can occur as a symptom of MS, an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.
      • MS-related vertigo is caused by lesions on the brainstem or cerebellum.
    • Brain Tumors:
      • Certain tumors, especially those located in the cerebellum or brainstem, can cause central vertigo as they press on or affect the areas responsible for balance.
    • Traumatic Brain Injury:
      • Injuries to the head can cause central vertigo, often in conjunction with other symptoms like headaches, confusion, and vision problems.

3. Positional Vertigo

  • Positional vertigo is a subtype of peripheral vertigo and is triggered by specific head movements or changes in position. It is most commonly associated with BPPV but can also occur due to other causes.
  • BPPV Symptoms:
    • Sudden, brief episodes of vertigo triggered by movements like lying down, rolling over, or looking up.
    • The dizziness usually lasts less than a minute but may recur with head movements.

4. Recurrent Vertigo

  • This type of vertigo occurs in episodes that happen intermittently over time. It can be associated with conditions like Meniere’s disease or vestibular migraine.
  • Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may last from minutes to hours, depending on the underlying condition.

5. Post-Traumatic Vertigo

  • This type of vertigo occurs after head trauma, concussion, or injury to the neck or inner ear. It may be related to whiplash, labyrinthine concussion, or inner ear damage.
  • Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, often lasting days to weeks following the injury.

6. Cervical Vertigo (Cervicogenic Vertigo)

  • Cervical vertigo is caused by neck issues, such as injuries or misalignment of the cervical spine, which interfere with proprioceptive signals between the neck and brain. It is commonly associated with whiplash or other neck injuries.
  • Symptoms include dizziness, neck pain, and limited neck movement, often triggered by certain head or neck positions.

7. Psychogenic Vertigo (Dizziness Related to Anxiety or Panic)

  • Psychogenic vertigo is dizziness or vertigo caused by psychological factors such as anxiety, panic disorders, or stress. It is more of a sensation of imbalance or unsteadiness than true spinning vertigo.
  • People with anxiety or panic attacks often report dizziness, which can be accompanied by hyperventilation, palpitations, or a sense of impending doom.

Summary of the Main Types of Vertigo:

  • Peripheral Vertigo: Caused by inner ear issues (BPPV, Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis).
  • Central Vertigo: Caused by brain disorders (migraines, stroke, multiple sclerosis).
  • Positional Vertigo: Triggered by head movements, most commonly related to BPPV.
  • Recurrent Vertigo: Episodes of vertigo occurring intermittently over time.
  • Post-Traumatic Vertigo: Occurs after head or neck injury.
  • Cervical Vertigo: Caused by neck problems.
  • Psychogenic Vertigo: Linked to anxiety or psychological factors.

Each type of vertigo has its own specific causes, symptoms, and treatments, and understanding the underlying condition is key to effective management and relief.


The Nature Vertigo And Dizziness Relief Exercise Program™ By Christian Goodman if you are suffering Vertigo and Dizziness and you are looking for natural solution, then Vertigo and Dizziness Program is here to help you. It will show you very simple but effective exercises that will stop this condition once and fall all. You will start to see positive results immediately when you start following the recommended head exercises and within days, this condition will be a thing of the past. This program is also very affordable and comes with 60 days 100% money back guarantee.