Understanding Vertigo: Peripheral vs. Central Types

Imagine waking up one morning, and as soon as you try to get out of bed, the room starts spinning wildly around you. You reach out for support, desperately trying to regain your balance, but it feels like the world is tilting, leaving you disoriented and frightened. This disconcerting sensation is what millions of people with vertigo experience, and it can turn even the simplest tasks into daunting challenges. If you need vertigo relief in Cedar Falls, you're in the right place.

Let's dive deeper into the world of vertigo, exploring its two main types, peripheral and central, and what you can do for lasting relief.

Peripheral Vertigo: The Inner Ear Dilemma

This is the most common type linked to this debilitating symptom, affecting approximately 80% of vertigo sufferers. It originates from problems within your inner ear, which plays a pivotal role in your hearing and balance. Think of your inner ear as the body's balance headquarters; it constantly sends signals to your brain, helping you maintain equilibrium.

Causes of Peripheral Vertigo

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

This condition occurs when tiny calcium particles in your inner ear become dislodged, sending inaccurate signals to your brain, leading to dizziness and spinning sensations.

2. Meniere's Disease

This condition is characterized by a buildup of fluid in your inner ear, causing vertigo episodes accompanied by hearing loss, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, and ear pressure.

3. Vestibular Neuritis

Often triggered by viral infections, this condition inflames the nerves in your inner ear, disrupting their normal functioning and causing severe vertigo.

Peripheral vertigo can drastically affect your quality of life, making simple tasks like driving, working, or even walking a constant challenge. Finding effective vertigo relief in Cedar Falls is necessary to help you regain control over your life.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Central Vertigo: The Brain's Intricacies

Central vertigo, originates from issues within the central nervous system. Unlike peripheral vertigo, it doesn't typically affect your hearing but can lead to more severe and persistent episodes.

Common Causes of Central Vertigo:

1. Brain Injury

Sporting accidents, falls, or other head injuries can disrupt the brain's ability to process balance signals correctly, leading to central vertigo.

2. Viral Infections

Certain viral infections can directly impact the brain, causing inflammation and vertigo, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

3. Brain Tumor or Stroke

In rare cases, a stroke or brain tumor can disrupt the brain's balance center, resulting in vertigo episodes.

Central vertigo presents a unique set of challenges, as it often requires more specialized medical attention. If this is what you have, a consultation and proper treatment from a healthcare professional is crucial.

Upper Cervical Misalignment: A Hidden Culprit 

When you have a condition where the topmost vertebrae in your neck are not correctly aligned, your become more and more susceptible to various health problems, including vertigo. This misalignment can put pressure on the brainstem and nervous system, interfering with the standard transmission of balance-related signals. To help you better understand how an imbalance in the Upper Cervical spine triggers vertigo, let’s look at two things:

• Malfunction in the Brainstem - Misalignment can disrupt the brainstem's crucial functions, including those related to balance and spatial orientation.
• Distorted Pain Messages - Misalignment can send distorted pain messages to the brain, triggering vertigo symptoms or exacerbating existing ones.

Upper Cervical Care for Vertigo Relief in Cedar Falls

Upper cervical misalignment can result from various factors, including injuries, accidents, chronic stress, or poor posture. Addressing this underlying issue can be a game-changer and provide you lasting relief.Don't let vertigo control your world; take action today by booking a visit to our office to regain your balance and reclaim your life. We will help you find a solution that matches your specific needs.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Speed, call our Dubuque office at 319-271-6247. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.