True vertigo, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the leading causes of dizziness. It is an inner ear disorder which occurs when calcium carbonate crystals are knocked off hair cells. These crystals can accidentally enter the semi-circular canals. This causes a short, but intense sensation of dizziness and spinning, and is often accompanied by nausea. Although the cause of each individual case case can be difficult to determine, the most common causes are:
1. Head trauma – A mild or severe bump to the head can knock the crystals loose
2. Rapid Head Motions – This could be from more extreme activities such as riding a roller-coaster, or from a whiplash style injury
3. Hormone Changes – Changes in our chemical balance can affect the structures of our inner ear, causing a weakening in the integrity of the crystals and associated structures. This is especially true during menopause due to decreased estrogen levels
4. Stress Levels –Increased stress levels causes changes in our chemical balance and can lead to changes in the integrity of crystals
5. Inner Ear Infections – Damage can occur to structures of the inner ear during infections, which can lead to an increased risk of BPPV.
6. Surgery – Very rarely, structures can be damaged during surgery which can increase the risk of BPPV
7. Migraines – Repeated migraine attacks have been linked with damaging structures and function, with links made to increased risk of BPPV
8. Disease – Meniere’s Disease causes a weakening of the utricle where the crystals are located, which increases the risk of crystals breaking off and causing BPPV
9. Osteoporosis – Crystals are made of calcium carbonate and therefore reduced bone density causes a weakening of the crystals
10. Diabetes – Links have been made between diabetes and hypertension, and increased rates of BPPV