Dizziness and Vertigo: Understanding the Causes and Risks

Experiencing dizziness can manifest in various ways, and when it's accompanied by a sensation of the world spinning around, it is medically referred to as vertigo. Vertigo can arise from several different conditions, with one of the more common being posterior circulation ischemia — a problem with the blood supply to the areas of the brain responsible for balance and coordination.

Potential Causes of Vertigo

Posterior Circulation Ischemia

This condition involves reduced blood flow to the back of the brain, which can lead to vestibular nerve dysfunction. It may be a symptom of more serious issues such as cerebral infarction or significant cerebrovascular insufficiency and stenosis. In such cases, a brain MRI is often recommended to properly diagnose and rule out life-threatening conditions.

Vestibular Disorders

Vertigo can also be caused by vestibular neuritis, which is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, or by general vestibular dysfunction. Another common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), often referred to as ear stone disorder, where tiny calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged and interfere with balance signals.

Other Related Conditions

In addition, episodes of dizziness and spinning sensations can be linked to idiopathic conditions such as Ménière's disease, which is characterized by recurrent vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. These types of vertigo-related illnesses vary in severity and duration but are generally less dangerous than vascular issues.

Why It's Important to Seek Medical Attention

Among the various causes of vertigo and dizziness, posterior circulation ischemia — especially if it progresses to a stroke — is considered the most critical. Immediate medical evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment, particularly when symptoms are sudden or severe.