All About Vestibular Disorders

Keeping your balance is a partnership between the inner ear and the brain. This collaboration is part of the system called the “vestibular.” If this connection becomes harmed, you will experience dizziness, hearing problems, vision problems, nausea, and the inability to keep your balance. 

Quite often, simply trying to make it through the day is nearly impossible. A vestibular disorder can cause other health issues, like short-term memory loss, confusion, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, panic attacks, depression, and anxiety. There is help for people who suffer from this ear disorder. 

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Prevalence of Vestibular Disorders

A vestibular disorder is not immediately diagnosed. Patients may visit a balance specialist due to their inability to stand properly and their feeling dizzy. It is estimated that 40% of Americans will seek medical attention for these symptoms. Senior citizens are among the leading patient group with dizziness, ringing in the ear, and balance issues. 

Causes of Vestibular Disorders

Typical causes of a vestibular disorder include:

  • Brain injuries like a traumatic brain injury

  • Infections

  • Inner ear problems

  • Medications that affect the inner ear canal

  • Semicircular canal problems

Types of Vestibular Disorders

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) 

Vertigo is a common balance disorder. A benign positional vertigo is a short-term disorder that lasts just a few minutes but its onset can be categorized as acute or chronic. Calcium crystals form within the inner ear where they can migrate to the inner ear canal. The ear misinterprets these calcium debris particles and tells the brain to protect itself with dizziness, nausea, and more.

Labyrinthine and Vestibular Neuritis

Labyrinthine infarction balance disorder occurs more commonly in the elderly. Inner ear nerve system and a neurological issue with labyrinthine infarction includes a combined loss of auditory and vestibular function. Does not cause hearing loss but it can last for years.

Vestibular Neuronitis

Vestibular neuronitis comes on suddenly with a bad case of vertigo and sickness. It is associated with respiratory tract infections. It can last for several days until it goes away on its own. 

Cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is an inner ear growth that appears behind the eardrum. It is generally caused by infections that occur on the skin of the eardrum. If not treated quickly, it will grow in size and damage the surrounding bones of the middle ear. Symptoms include severe hearing loss, dizziness, and paralysis of facial muscles. 

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inflammatory process caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It is most commonly present with infections like measles and rubella. You become dizzy, nauseas, or a consistent headache. 

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is an inner ear vertigo disorder that is accompanied with hearing loss that can worsen in time. Patients further experience nausea and vomiting that can last for several hours

Migraine

Migraine headaches are commonly associated with 30% hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus, and nausea. Blurred vision can also be a symptom. 

Mal de Debarquement

Mal de Debarquement sickness makes patients feel like they are moving and rocking back and forth when actually they are standing still. If you like boating or water skiing, Mal de Debarquement or “disembarkment” symptoms may occur after you return to land. Dizziness symptoms appear quickly but only last for a few hours or in severe cases it may last for days. You may or may not feel nauseous, just a rocking movement. 

Pediatric Vestibular Disorders

A small number of children can be affected with this disorder. Symptoms include problems with an intent gaze or seeing clearly with head movement, balance issues, and dizziness.

Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders can include a combination of minor and severe symptoms:

  • Anxiety

  • Blurred vision

  • Diarrhea

  • Dizziness

  • Fear

  • Feeling unsteady or that things are spinning and disoriented

  • Nausea

  • Rapid heart beat 

  • Treating Vestibular Disorders

  • Unsteady balance that can cause you to fall or stumble 

  • Vomiting

Seeking Treatment for Balance Disorders with Hart Hearing and Balance Centers

If you suspect you may be suffering from a vestibular disorder, please contact us at Hart Hearing and Balance Centers today. With vestibular disorders, we can determine the cause and work with you to customize a treatment plan. Treatments include medications, lifestyle changes, and rehabilitation or balance retraining therapy. Contact us today to learn more!