We are all likely to experience a bout of dizziness at some point in our lives. Dizziness may be induced by enjoying a roller coaster ride or spinning in circles; or the underlying cause of dizziness may be due to an illness or head injury. Many people face dizziness on a continual basis. However, instead of seeking medical attention to determine a cause, many justify mysterious feelings of spinning to rising too quickly or being tired. True, these are reasons why a person may suddenly become dizzy. Nonetheless, chronic dizziness is usually the result of a potentially serious condition called vertigo.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo refers to a spinning sensation, or dizziness that occurs when ones equilibrium is impaired. Many who suffer from vertigo speak of this condition as if it were a disease. However, vertigo is not a disease. Rather, it is a common symptom of many diseases. Vertigo includes feeling faint, lightheaded, or unsteady. It is estimated that approximately 50% of adults will experience vertigo at least once in their lifetime, and it affects more women than men. Chronic vertigo is generally due to a disorder in the vestibular system. This system includes the inner ear, vestibular nerve, brainstem, and cerebellum. The purpose of the vestibular system is to control balance. When problems arise in the vestibular system, balance is affected. Common causes of vertigo include:

• Labyrinthitis
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Meniere's disease
• Post-Trauma

Labyrinthitis

The labyrinth is a canal inside the ear that is surrounded by fluid. Balance results in the normal movement of fluid within the canal. A properly functioning labyrinth will send messages to brain in order to coordinate movement. Sometimes the labyrinth becomes inflamed, which results in the brain receiving false messages. These false messages fool the brain into thinking that a person or a person's surroundings are moving. Many refer to labyrinthitis as an ear infection because it is likely to occur after a sinus infection or flu. Labyrinthitis may be treated with antibiotics, or allowed to run its course.