What are the Early Signs of a Vestibular Disorder?

While most people find that their vestibular disorder came on suddenly without any sort of warning, there are early signs that might present themselves. While acute dizziness can occur, many of these cases turn chronic. People may describe their initial symptoms as “dizziness” but that can encompass many different symptoms and diagnoses. Below are common vestibular disorders and early signs of them. Remember that you may not experience all of these and may have additional symptoms not listed! This is also not every vestibular disorder.

Vestibular Migraine:

Vestibular Migraine is a central vestibular disorder. It is the most common cause of chronic dizziness. It can present itself with or without headache symptoms and is caused by a genetic predisposition in the brain. 

• Vertigo -room spinning or feeling of moving while sitting or standing still
• Imbalance
• Lightheadedness
• Dropping sensation
• Ear fullness
• Bobblehead feeling
• Brain zaps
• Dizziness while moving head
• Headache (especially on one side)
• Fatigue 
• Brain fog
• Nausea

BPPV

BPPV is a peripheral vestibular disorder and is the most common cause of vertigo. While it is not a chronic condition, dizziness can turn chronic with onset of PPPD.

• Sudden, room spinning vertigo lasting less than one minute
• Dizziness with changing head position
• Nystagmus
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vision jumping
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus

Vestibular Neuritis: 

Vestibular Neuritis is also a peripheral vestibular disorder and is caused by inflammation of the inner ear. It is also not a chronic condition but can lead to VM or PPPD.

• Vertigo- room spinning or feeling of moving
• Lightheadedness
• Imbalance
• Nystagmus
• Difficulty concentrating
• Motion sensitivity
• Symptoms staring after having cold, flu, or ear infection
• Vertigo goes away after a few days or weeks

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness: 

PPPD is a central vestibular disorder that is caused by the brain’s processing of vestibular information. PPPD is not a singular diagnosis, it is triggered by another vestibular disorder.

• Internal feelings of rocking or swaying
• Lightheadness or heavyheadedness
• Brain fog
• Derealization
• Symptoms worsen in busy environments

Meiners’s Disease:

Meniere’s Disease is a peripheral vestibular disorder that is caused by dysfunction of the inner ear. 

• Vertigo that causes nausea, vomiting, sweating
• Vertigo that starts suddenly and lasts minutes to 24 hours
• Balance loss
• Fall risk
• Ringing, buzzing, roaring in ears
• Tinnitus
• Hearing loss
• Sensitivity to salt

Long Covid:

Covid may cause damage to the inner ear which can lead to vestibular dysfunction. It can impact the autonomic nervous system, brain, spinal cord, or blood flow issues which can lead to dizziness. It can also trigger VM or other vestibular disorders.

• Lightheadedness
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Spinning sensations
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue

Cervicogenic dizziness:

Cervicogenic dizziness is a central vestibular disorder even though problems originate from the neck. It can be caused by an injury or tightness in the neck which sends mixed signals to the brain and vestibular system.

• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Visual symptoms
• Dizziness upon standing
• Dizziness with head movement
• Symptoms starting after injury or whiplash

You may notice that many of these symptoms have a lot of crossovers. That’s why it can be so hard to figure out exactly what is causing your dizziness and getting a proper diagnosis. That being said, if you notice any of these early signs and consistencies, be sure to share your thoughts with your doctor. Vestibular Migraine and BPPV are the most common vestibular disorders, but treatment varies greatly!

To get a proper diagnosis, you can reach out to a neurologist, headache specialist, ENT doctor, or a physical therapist (specializing in vestibular disorders). Keep in mind that Vestibular Group Fit has resources and treatment for all of the different vestibular disorders, and you don’t need a diagnosis to start feeling better!