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Signs of Vestibular Disease

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, controls balance. Vestibular disease is the result of viruses, inner ear damage or deterioration, and other causes. It can be a product of many different conditions such as vestibular neuritis and Meniere's disease.

  1. Vestibular System

    • The vestibular system consists of the otolith organs (the saccule and utricle) and the semicircular canals located in the labyrinth system in the inner ear. These organs detect motion and coordinate posture and balance, along with other senses.

    Vertigo

    • The most troubling and disabling sign of vestibular disease is vertigo. Vertigo is the illusion of a spinning-type motion. Repeated vertigo attacks are a good indicator of a vestibular disorder.

    Imbalance and Dizziness

    • Imbalance or dizziness is similar to vertigo except the perceived motion is more mild. Vertigo is usually episodic, while dizziness can be constant.

    Nausea and Vomiting

    • Vertigo and dizziness often cause nausea and vomiting similar to motion sickness. The exception is that nausea due to vestibular disease is not caused by actual motion (as in motion sickness) but by the perception of false movement.

    Tinnitus and Hearing

    • Tinnitus is ringing of the ears and is often an early sign of damage to the vestibular system. Changes in hearing accompanied by tinnitus are also symptoms of vestibular dysfunction.

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