Vertigo

What Causes Vertigo?

In order to deal properly with vertigo we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors.  We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow vertigo to develop?"

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Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind vertigo consists of three steps:

Step 1: List the Possible Causative Factors

Identify all disease conditions, lifestyle choices and environmental risk factors that can lead to vertigo.  Here are six possibilities:
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Neuritis/Neuropathy
  • Fluorosis
  • Dehydration
  • Meniere's Disease
  • Mercury Toxicity

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

Identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:
increased sensitivity to touch
metallic taste in mouth
dark spots on gums
greatly reduced skin elasticity
moodiness
preauricular node problems
high caffeinated soda consumption
inability to tell hot from cold
dry eyes
very angry/hostile disposition
cold weather muscle weakness
regular odd skin sensations
... and more than 90 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of vertigo:
Cause Probability Status
Meniere's Disease 92% Confirm
Multiple Sclerosis 74% Possible
Dehydration 19% Unlikely
Neuritis/Neuropathy 2% Ruled out
Fluorosis 2% Ruled out
Mercury Toxicity 2% Ruled out
* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

In the General Symptoms section of the questionnaire, The Analyst™ will ask the following question about vertigo:
Do you ever experience vertigo (a sensation of you or your surroundings spinning)?
Possible responses:
→ Don't know
→ Never
→ Occasionally
→ Regularly - several times per month
→ Frequently - daily or almost daily
Based on your response to this question, which may indicate not suffering from vertigo, vertigo or frequent vertigo, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:
Dehydration

Dehydration can cause an inner ear fluid imbalance and/or a drop in blood pressure, both of which can lead to vertigo.

Multiple Sclerosis

Vertigo is a fairly common symptom of multiple sclerosis, occurring in about 20% of sufferers at some point.  It is an acute, uncomfortable sensation, making those who are already a little unsteady feel even more nervous about moving around.  It is not a permanent symptom, but may indicate a new lesion or inflammation.

This vertigo can be caused by lesions in the cerebellum, or it can be a result of damage to the nerves that control the vestibular functions of the ear in the brain stem.  Vertigo is, however, not always a direct result of the MS disease process.

Neuritis/Neuropathy

When the vestibular nerve (connecting the inner ear to the brain) is affected, dizziness or vertigo can result.

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