Vertigo, a sensation of spinning or imbalance, and stroke, a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, are distinct medical conditions. A stroke can indeed be a direct cause of vertigo, often when it impacts specific brain areas responsible for balance.
Understanding Vertigo and Stroke
Vertigo is the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is spinning or moving. This feeling often arises from issues within the body’s intricate balance system, including parts of the inner ear and brain. It is distinct from general lightheadedness or feeling faint. Vertigo is a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease itself.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a section of the brain is suddenly interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. This rapidly leads to cell damage and death, impacting various bodily functions. Strokes are broadly categorized into two main types: ischemic, caused by a blockage, and hemorrhagic, caused by bleeding in or around the brain.
The Neurological Link: How Stroke Causes Vertigo
The brain contains specific regions for processing balance and spatial orientation. These include the cerebellum, which coordinates movement and balance, and the brainstem, a relay center connecting the brain to the spinal cord. When a stroke affects these areas or their neural pathways, it disrupts the brain’s ability to interpret and respond to balance signals. This can manifest as central vertigo, originating within the brain, unlike peripheral vertigo from the inner ear.
Strokes impacting the posterior circulation, such as those involving the vertebrobasilar arteries, are known to cause vertigo because these vessels supply blood to the brainstem and cerebellum. Infarctions in these areas can lead to vertigo and imbalance. Approximately 20% of ischemic strokes occur in the posterior circulation.
Identifying Stroke-Related Vertigo
Vertigo caused by a stroke often presents with sudden, intense onset. Unlike some benign forms of vertigo, it may not be triggered by specific head movements or changes in body position. Recognizing accompanying neurological symptoms is important for distinguishing stroke-related vertigo from other causes.
These symptoms can include double vision, difficulty with clear speech, or challenges swallowing. Individuals might also experience unsteadiness when walking, a sudden severe headache, or new weakness or numbness on one side of the body. Any alteration in consciousness also warrants immediate attention.
Seeking Prompt Medical Attention
If stroke-related vertigo is suspected, seeking immediate medical attention is necessary. Stroke is a medical emergency, and rapid intervention can significantly influence outcomes. Upon arrival at a hospital, medical professionals will conduct a thorough neurological examination to assess brain function.
Imaging tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are used to visualize the brain. An MRI is preferred for detecting strokes in the posterior circulation, where vertigo commonly originates, for its detail. Prompt diagnosis allows for timely medical interventions aimed at minimizing brain damage.