More causes of vertigo

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Meniere's disease. This condition typically causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus (buzzing or ringing in your ear). The episodes can vary in severity, and in how often they occur. Each episode can last from 20 minutes to several hours. Permanent hearing loss and tinnitus may eventually develop. It is thought that Meniere's disease is due to a build up of fluid in the labyrinth from time to time. The build up of fluid may increase the pressure within the labyrinth and cause swelling of the labyrinth which leads to the symptoms.

Vestibular migraine. Episodes of vertigo develop in some people who have migraine. These sometimes occur as part of the 'aura' that some people with migraine have before a headache develops. However, vertigo can also occur separately to headaches in some people who get migraines. The cause of migraine is thought to be due to changes in blood vessels in the brain and a similar mechanism may be the reason why vertigo develops. People who have 'vestibular migraines' tend to be sensitive to motion. Therefore, vertigo caused by a vestibular migraine may be triggered by a sudden movement of the head, or by travelling in a car, etc. Each episode of vestibular migraine can last from several hours to several days.

Acoustic neuroma. An acoustic neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour that grows on the acoustic nerve (the nerve that forms when the cochlear and vestibular nerve join up between the ear and the brain). It is a rare disorder but initial symptoms can include vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. These are similar symptoms to Meniere's disease. However, unlike Meniere's disease which comes in episodes of symptoms, the symptoms of an acoustic neuroma tend to be constant and get worse and worse.

Uncommon causes. Various conditions of the brain, blood vessels of the brain, and nerves can cause vertigo. For example, some people who have a stroke or multiple sclerosis develop vertigo. However, this will usually be in addition to various other symptoms.