The word vertigo comes from Latin and means “to rotate.” Vertigo is not a disease but a symptom that arises from various medical conditions and is experienced as a sensation of spinning — either of oneself or the surroundings. Dizziness and balance disturbances account for 2.4% of all hospital visits, and approximately 26% of patients who seek emergency care report dizziness. Most of the patients who complain about balance issues are middle-aged or elderly.
In terms of etiology, peripheral vestibular disorders are the most common causes of vertigo, including:
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Ménière’s disease
• Vestibular neuritis
• Labyrinthitis
• Otosclerosis
• Perilymphatic fistula
• Vestibular migraine
• Trauma
Other causes of vertigo include:
• Syncope
• Psychogenic dizziness
• Side effects of medications
• Hypoperfusion (shock, dehydration)
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Other systemic illnesses
There are also metabolic conditions that can cause dizziness, such as:
• Anemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Electrolyte imbalances
If you experience such symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor. Our otoneurology specialist and ENT surgeon, Op. Dr. Nigar Muradova, is always at your service!
Studies show that the most common causes of vertigo are inner ear disorders.