What Is Vestibular Disorder?

Chronic dizziness and imbalance can indicate a serious underlying problem such as a vestibular disorder, which is a type of balance disorder that affects the inner ear system.

Types

• Vestibular disorders include vertigo, Meniere's disease, motion sickness syndrome, vestibular migraines, inner ear trauma, labyrinthitis, perilymph fistula, bilateral vestibulopathy and superior canal dehiscence syndrome.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a vestibular disorder include dizziness, spinning or floating sensations, difficulty walking or coordinating, hearing loss, nausea and difficulty focusing vision. A person with vestibular disorder may also feel lightheaded or heavier on one side.

Diagnosis

• Vestibular disorders are diagnosed through a physical examination of the head and neck, which is followed by more intensive diagnostic tests. CT or MRI scans may be used to diagnose this condition, as well as hearing or blood tests.

Therapy

• Vestibular disorders can be treated with vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which includes exercises that condition the patient to balance himself.

Surgery

• Surgery may be used to treat certain kinds of vestibular disorders. Removal of bone or balance organs from the ear may be necessary in severe cases. Surgery is also used to alter the structure of the ear.