Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms that can arise from a variety of causes. One common cause of these symptoms is fluid buildup in the ear due to an infection. Another is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when tiny calcium crystals, known as otoconia, become dislodged from a sac inside the ear and move into nearby passageways. In addition to these, several other factors can lead to dizziness, including medication side effects, infections or disorders of the inner ear, tumors, strokes in the back of the brain, Ménière’s disease, and confusion, often seen in older adults as a sign of urinary tract infections.

A specific condition known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is also associated with symptoms like lightheadedness or dizziness upon standing, fatigue, shakiness, difficulty concentrating (brain fog), palpitations, headaches, and digestive problems. POTS often impacts the autonomic nervous system, which regulates heart rate and blood pressure.

COVID-19 has also been linked to brain-related issues, such as brain fog and damage to the brain’s autonomic nervous system. The virus can infect and injure blood vessel linings and increase blood clotting, potentially leading to strokes and heart attacks.

A healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains, is beneficial for brain health. Avoiding alcohol and drugs and ensuring adequate sleep are also important for brain recovery and health.

In children, vertigo or dizziness can occur with or without an eardrum problem. The body’s sense of balance is located in the inner ear’s vestibular system, and most eardrum problems that cause vertigo are linked to minor illnesses that can be treated effectively.

Severe vertigo can significantly limit life activities, causing symptoms like nausea, headaches, abnormal eye movements, and imbalance. Conditions such as Labyrinthitis, an inner ear infection caused by a virus, can cause extreme dizziness and balance problems, with accompanying hearing loss lasting several weeks.

To understand more about dizziness and its treatment, visit Harvard Health’s articles on dealing with dizziness, the top 5 reasons for feeling woozy, first steps to take when feeling woozy, POTS-related symptoms, and the impact of COVID-19 on brain fog. For information on vertigo in children, visit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. To learn about the potential brain damage caused by COVID-19, refer to Harvard Health’s article.

For further details on the causes and treatments of dizziness and vertigo, consider exploring the insights offered by UCI’s ENT Learning Center.