The Link Between Vertigo and Ear Infections
If you’ve ever experienced vertigo, you understand how disconcerting and uncomfortable it can be. Vertigo is a symptom that causes you to feel as though everything around you is moving or spinning and is associated with dizziness and spinning. For some people, vertigo makes it hard to complete everyday tasks.
It’s important to remember that vertigo is not a condition in and of itself, it is rather a symptom of a medical condition. Vertigo is commonly reported in patients with migraine headaches, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and central nervous system dysfunction. Vertigo is also related to ear infections.
Ear infections are common and are often caused by inflammation affecting the inner ear that is responsible for hearing and balance, called the labyrinthitis. Ear infections can also be caused by a virus or bacteria.
The inner ear is connected to the vestibular nerve which is responsible for communicating with the brain to control balance. When there is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, or an ear infection, this then can affect one’s balance.
Symptoms of an ear infection include:
Dizziness
Vertigo
Spinning sensation
Nausea
Vomiting
Difficulty walking
Hearing loss
Earache
Most ear infections resolve within a week or two and sometimes require medication. If symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness or problems with balance continue, it may be time to visit a Vestibular Rehabilitation specialist. For more information about Vestibular Therapy and how it can help your vertigo, contact us at 347.560.6920.
