Is Vertigo Caused by the Central Nervous System?

Central Nervous System Causes of Vertigo

Individuals with vertigo often experience symptoms like dizziness, spinning of the head, or feeling like everything around them is moving. This is mainly caused by issues in one's inner ear, but sometimes, problems in your central nervous system may also lead to vertigo.

Keep reading to learn about this specific type of vertigo, its symptoms, causes, and treatment methods!

Which Type of Vertigo Is Caused by the Central Nervous System?

A malfunction in the central vestibular system or its nerve system connections results in central vertigo. The central vestibular system comprises the cerebellum, vestibular nuclei in the brainstem, and the connections of these organs in the nervous system. Any malfunction in these components can cause central vertigo.

In this condition, you may feel subjective motion sensations like swaying, rocking, spinning, tilting, etc., even if your body is still. It is not the same as the vertigo caused by inner ear issues (peripheral vertigo).

What is the difference between central and peripheral vertigo?

Though both peripheral and central vertigo can lead to dizziness, that doesn't make them similar. Central vertigo is a less common case that occurs due to issues in the central nervous system, such as stroke, tumour in the brain, etc.

However, peripheral vertigo is the most common type, caused by inner ear issues, such as Meniere’s disease, BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), and vestibular neuronitis.

Peripheral vertigo includes some unique symptoms that are often absent in central vertigo. They are as follows:

• Hearing loss
• Ear pain
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

What are the symptoms of central vertigo?

The dizziness one experiences in central vertigo is not like that of peripheral vertigo. It is not just lightheadedness but more like uncontrollable spinning. The symptoms of central vertigo usually impact an individual’s central nervous system.

Common symptoms of central vertigo include the following:

• Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Balancing issues
• Difficulty in speaking (dysphonia)
• Eye moving involuntarily (nystagmus)
• Vomiting and nausea occur if the vertigo is caused by vestibular migraine.
• Walking disability, etc.

What are the causes of central vertigo?

Central vertigo occurs when lesions develop in the central vestibular system, which includes the brainstem and cerebellum. These lesions can disrupt blood flow to critical areas, triggering vertigo symptoms.

Common causes of central vertigo include brain tumours, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and vestibular migraines.

Some other factors that may lead to central vertigo are

• Traumatic brain injury
• Infections
• Tumours at the skull base
• Certain antibiotics
• Anticonvulsant toxicity
• Heat illnesses, etc.
   

These conditions interfere with the brain’s ability to process balance and spatial orientation, making central vertigo distinct from vertigo caused by inner ear problems. As central vertigo can result from various neurological disorders, identifying the exact cause is essential for proper treatment and management.

What are the complications of central vertigo?

The underlying cause of central vertigo determines its complications:

• For example, a stroke may cause long-term issues with speech, vision, or balance.
• Central vertigo can be fatal if untreated or misdiagnosed, particularly in cases of stroke or when brought on by infections, brain tumours, or trauma.
• Besides, all forms of vertigo, including central vertigo, raise the possibility of falls, resulting in severe injuries or fractured bones.
   

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid these serious consequences.

How to Diagnose Central Vertigo?

The following imaging and clinical tests are performed to diagnose central vertigo:

• Neurological Tests: To distinguish between central and peripheral causes, tests for nystagmus (abnormal eye movements), gait instability, or skewed eye alignment are useful.
• MRI/CT Scans: These identify anatomical anomalies in the brainstem or cerebellum, such as strokes, tumours, or MS plaques.
• Dix-Hallpike Test: This test is usually performed to test BPPV. If spinning eye movements (rotational nystagmus) appear during the evaluation, it suggests benign positional vertigo. If the test is negative, it may point to a central nervous system issue instead.

What are the treatment procedures for central vertigo?

Most people with central vertigo are first treated in a hospital, especially if symptoms are severe or linked to a serious cause like stroke. Treatment focuses not just on easing vertigo but also on addressing the root problem:

• For example, if a stroke is the cause, doctors may use medications to dissolve blood clots.
• Long-term management can involve medicines for conditions such as multiple sclerosis or migraines.
• Doctors may perform surgery to remove tumours or vestibular rehabilitation therapy to help restore balance and coordination.
   

The specific treatment plan depends on the underlying cause and may require a combination of therapies to manage symptoms and the primary medical issue. Prompt and targeted care is essential for the best recovery. Having a health insurance policy can help you cover such critical illness treatment.

You can consider the Star Critical Illness Multipay Insurance Policy for comprehensive coverage!

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