How to Tell If You’re Experiencing Peripheral or Central Vertigo

Vertigo is an exasperating condition where a person feels dizzy, off-balanced, and as if the entire world is spinning fast. On top of that, there are various other vertigo symptoms that manifest strongly, depending on what’s causing it. The two most common kinds of vertigo are known as peripheral and central vertigo.



As vertigo is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying condition, it’s essential to identify its roots to treat it accordingly.

In this article, we’ll bring your attention to the main distinctions between peripheral and central vertigo so you can seek the proper vertigo treatment option depending on what you’re experiencing.

What is Peripheral Vertigo?

Peripheral vertigo is more common than central vertigo and is usually associated with worse clinical symptoms. It is typically caused by a disorder within the vestibular system, particularly in the inner ear.

More prominent peripheral vertigo symptoms include hearing loss or a sensation of fullness in one ear, loss of balance, tinnitus, and nystagmus. The latter refers to a vision condition associated with quick, repetitive, and uncontrolled eye movements.

Other common causes of peripheral vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, otosclerosis, labyrinthitis, and sometimes medications, such as antibiotics, pain, and blood pressure drugs.

The best peripheral vertigo treatment will ultimately depend on what underlying condition you may have. First of all, the clinician needs to make an accurate diagnosis, and then the patient may have to try various medications ranging from anti-inflammatories to nausea relievers and anxiety drugs to know which one works.  

What is Central Vertigo?

Central vertigo results from an impaired function of the vestibular structures in the central nervous system.

Along with the typical vertigo symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance, central vertigo may further present with headaches, difficulty swallowing, facial paralysis, limb weakness, double vision, and other eye problems.

Virtually all direct or indirect brain injuries can result in central vertigo. Common central vertigo causes include past infections, head trauma, multiple sclerosis, hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes, brain tumours, migraines, and transient ischemic attacks.

As with peripheral vertigo, central vertigo treatment options should be geared towards identifying and treating the underlying condition. The choices can be scarce, but depending on the causes, treatment can range from migraine medications, tumour resections, and managing the symptoms.

Differentiating the Two Types of Vertigo

There are some easily identifiable differences between these two common forms of vertigo. Since peripheral vertigo is usually associated with conditions affecting the inner ear, you would often suffer hearing problems and tinnitus, which are missing in the central variation.

Moreover, peripheral vertigo is characterized by a sudden onset, unlike central, which has a comparatively gradual outset. Additionally, the former tends to present with intermittent severe symptoms. Central vertigo, on the other hand, is constant but usually milder.

Furthermore, peripheral vertigo is typically affected by head position and movement, unlike central. This means nausea and vomiting are more severe in the peripheral form. Finally, in central vertigo, we can often observe neurologic symptoms like gait instability, loss of coordination, and frequent headaches.

However, as with any medical condition, it’s crucial not to attempt to self-diagnose. Instead, get in touch with a doctor or a certified chiropractor who can release presumptive upper cervical pressure.

Book Your Appointment Today!

If you’re experiencing frequent vertigo symptoms, you shouldn’t be disheartened. There are many other types and causes for vertigo, and all you might need is a session of our upper cervical chiropractic services.

To learn more about how a chiropractic adjustment can help treat your vertigo and improve your overall health, schedule your appointment with our team at Kilian Upper Cervical Chiropractors today! 

You may call us at (604) 856-7781 or book an appointment online using our contact form.