Ending Vertigo Today

Is it all in your head?

If you’ve had dizziness and gone to see someone about it, you may have worried whether this is a real disease, or if you’re just nuts. Maybe a doctor or a friend thought that your problem could be psychological. If a disease can’t be seen easily on exams or tests, it can mistakenly be chalked up to something going on in your mind. Let’s explore how and why this mistake happens.

Cerebellar strokes: a dangerous form of vertigo

We’ve been discussing vertigo that comes from the brain. Today’s topic is a form of stroke that can be mistaken for other kinds of vertigo but is far more serious. The cerebellum is a bun-shaped structure lying under the back of the brain next to the spinal cord. It is involved in smooth coordination of movement and balance. Like the rest of the brain, it requires good blood flow to bring oxygen and nutrients. Anything that interferes with blood flow in the head can cause serious problems.

Vertigo and ion channels

Vertigo comes in many forms. Some of these are inherited, due to changes in genes (mutations) that control brain balance or inner ear function. These rare genetic causes of vertigo tend to run in families. The brain uses electricity to transmit information, so it is important that the “wiring” is done properly and that balance information is sent accurately. Nerves and neurons must be able to accumulate an electrical charge quickly and pass it on.