Vestibular Disorder Causes: 3 Causes for Vestibular Disorders and Other Dizziness Considerations

Vestibular Disorder Causes: 3 Causes for Vestibular Disorders and Other Dizziness Considerations

Ever wonder about vestibular disorder causes? There can be a variety of causes or a combination of vestibular disorder causes depending on the condition. In the post below we will cover 3 causes of vestibular conditions as well as other considerations that may contribute to dizziness for those with a vestibular condition.

Vestibular Disorder Causes No. 1: Genetics (In Part)

In certain vestibular conditions, genetics does play a role. For example, migraine conditions have shown a genetic component. Researchers have continued to study possible genes and pathways that appear to be connected to migraine conditions in part of improved interventions and possibly a better way to provide proper diagnosis (1). For vestibular migraine, ongoing studies are being conducted to determine a genetic link with systematic review showing that migraine-vertigo association is 4-10 times higher in families compared to the general population (2). This systematic review goes on to note that it is note only genetics, but a combination of genetics and environment at play as well (2).

It’s important to remember that migraine conditions do appear to have a genetic predisposition. Some report that their dizziness began after an illness, super stressful event or series of events, after a concussion, or some other notable event in time where things were different. This shows how other factors can be at work for migraine conditions and vestibular migraine. One study shows that being under 40 years old, female, anxiety, depression and prior head trauma were associated with increased odds of experiencing vestibular migraine (3). One way to think about it is that there is a genetic predisposition, and other environmental factors at play may “activate” those migraine condition associated pathways or genes.

One case study noted family history of vestibular migraine of three generations. This study notes other research examining a family with multiple people with Meniere’s Disease and the exploration of a genetic component there as well (4). Genetics may not be be the full reason behind a vestibular condition, but this is an area continuing to be researched to better understand its part in vestibular disorder causes.

Vestibular Disorder Causes No. 2: Viral Infection

Viral infections can also be a potential source of vestibular conditions. A common one discussed is vestibular neuritis and it being suspected from a dormant HSV infection in the body that becomes reactivated. This infection targets the 8th cranial nerve with resulting vestibular symptoms (5).

Others have experienced dizziness after COVID 19 infection. Ongoing research and recommendations are coming out in this area. Here is a podcast about covid 19 and dizziness here. Some rehabilitation recommendations for post covid 19 dizziness can look similar to vestibular hypofunction rehab. A proper exam to determine deficits and create a proper plan is important. More on this with the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy fact sheet.

Vestibular Disorder Cause No. 3: Ototoxic Medications

Ototoxic medications are medications that can cause damage to the inner ear. This can result in hearing loss, imbalance, ear ringing and more. Sometimes these side effects are temporary but they can also be permanent. If you’re interested in learning more, check out this in depth blog post on it here.

Other Dizziness Considerations

Those with a vestibular condition, or somethings those with dizziness that hasn’t quite been determined vestibular in nature, have benefitted from other considerations for dizziness. This includes

• Medications: and extensive medication review for any interactions or undesirable side effects that may be contributing
• Jaw/TMJ dysfunction: some have found improvement in dizziness or the source of their symptoms to be from TMJ dysfunction. This may be approached with PT, a nightguard from a dentist for teeth grinding and other methods.
• Poor sleep: a sleep study to rule in/out sleep apnea, and properly using a CPAP if indicated can improve symptoms for those with or without a diagnoses vestibular conditions.
• Deficiencies in vitamins or minerals. If unsure about blood work or optimal lab values, you’re in luck. There is a guide put together by some experts you can access here.

In general, it’s hard to pinpoint one exact cause of a vestibular condition. Just like best management, it’s important to look at the whole picture.

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Citations

1. Bron, C., Sutherland, H. G., & Griffiths, L. R. (2021). Exploring the Hereditary Nature of Migraine. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 17, 1183–1194. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S282562. (online access here).
2. Paz-Tamayo, A., Perez-Carpena, P., & Lopez-Escamez, J. A. (2020). Systematic Review of Prevalence Studies and Familial Aggregation in Vestibular Migraine. Frontiers in genetics, 11, 954. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2020.00954. (online access here).
3. Formeister, E. J., Rizk, H. G., Kohn, M. A., & Sharon, J. D. (2018). The Epidemiology of Vestibular Migraine: A Population-based Survey Study. Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, 39(8), 1037–1044. https://doi.org/10.1097/MAO.0000000000001900. (online access here).
4. Familiari, M., Gatti, O., Cangiano, I., & Teggi, R. (2021). A Family with a High Incidence of Migraine and Vestibular Migraine and a Case of Menière’s Disease. Case reports in medicine, 2021, 9984047. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9984047. (Online access here)
5. Smith T, Rider J, Cen S, et al. Vestibular Neuronitis. [Updated 2023 Jul 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549866/. (online access here).
6. Pazdro-Zastawny, K., Dorobisz, K., Misiak, P., Kruk-Krzemień, A., & Zatoński, T. (2022). Vestibular disorders in patients after COVID-19 infection. Frontiers in neurology, 13, 956515. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2022.956515 (online access here).