What causes dizziness, vertigo (a sensation of spinning), nausea, and vomiting?
Aug 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Dizziness accompanied by nausea and vomiting. First, central vertigo—caused by lesions in the cerebellum or brainstem—must be ruled out, as it is commonly seen in cerebral infarction or intracerebral hemorrhage. Second, peripheral vertigo should be considered. Common causes include Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis, vestibular migraine, vestibular paroxysmia, sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Modern life has become increasingly fast-paced. Many people are in a state of suboptimal health, and symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting have thus become particularly common. When these symptoms occur, many individuals naturally worry whether they might be suffering from a serious illness. In fact, such symptoms may arise from various diseases—or even non-pathological causes. So, what are the possible causes of severe dizziness (a sensation of spinning), nausea, and vomiting?
What Causes Severe Dizziness, Nausea, and Vomiting?
Dizziness accompanied by nausea and vomiting warrants careful evaluation. First, central vertigo—caused by lesions in the cerebellum or brainstem—must be ruled out; such lesions are frequently seen in conditions like cerebral infarction or intracerebral hemorrhage. Second, peripheral vertigo should be considered. Common causes include Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis, vestibular migraine, vestibular paroxysmia, sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
If dizziness occurs, patients are advised to consult a neurologist and undergo cranial imaging (e.g., MRI or CT) to assess for intracranial pathology—including cerebral infarction or hemorrhage. If indicated, further evaluation may include vestibular function testing and audiometry to identify peripheral vestibular disorders. Positional testing (e.g., Dix-Hallpike maneuver) may also be performed to confirm or exclude benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
Patients are advised to avoid spicy and irritating foods, maintain a balanced diet, and drink adequate fluids. We hope this article proves helpful to you.
