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Vestibular Disorders & Symptoms

The vestibular system is the portion of the inner ear that regulates functions such as balance and spatial orientation. When a person develops an inner-ear affliction, he or she can experience a wide variety of disrupting problems, including vertigo, hearing loss and nausea. Here are a few examples of vestibular disorders.

  1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

    • BPPV is a vertigo disorder where dizziness is brought on by otoconia, deposits of calcium carbonate. These small crystals are commonly known as "ear rocks." When this debris leaves the utricle and collects inside the inner ear, BPPV is the result. Symptoms include a feeling of imbalance, nausea, lightheadedness and dizzy spells. For people under 50, the most common cause of BPPV is an injury to the head. In older individuals, deterioration of the utricle is thought to be a factor. Doctors typically treat BPPV using particle repositioning maneuvers (Epley or Semont Maneuver). This treatment is quick, can be performed in the doctor's office and has a success rate of approximately 80 percent.

    Acoustic Neuroma

    • Also known as vestibular schwannoma, acoustic neuroma is a small, benign brain tumor that forms on the eighth cranial nerve. Because this nerve runs into the middle ear, changes in hearing and balance can occur when the tumor presses on the nerve. Typical symptoms of acoustic neuroma include gradual hearing loss, clumsy gait, numbness or weakness in the face and tinnitus (ringing in ear). If the tumor compresses the brain stem, the results can be life-threatening. Acoustic neuroma is treated with radiosurgery or microsurgery; both carry the risk of permanent changes in hearing and/or balance.

    Meniere's Disease

    • Meniere's Disease is caused by excessive amounts of fluid (called endolymph) accumulating in the inner ear. While there is a variety of speculation as to what causes this condition, the source remains a mystery. Popular theories include genetic disorder, viral infection and allergies. Sufferers experience random attacks, during which they may have sudden vertigo, ringing of the ears and fluctuations in hearing. After an attack, which can last from minutes to an entire day, there is usually extreme fatigue and sleepiness. Treatment regimens typically involve vertigo/nausea medications, combined with rehabilitation therapy and a low-sodium diet.

    Perilymph Fistula

    • Separating the middle and inner ear are two thin membranes known as the oval and round windows. When a tear or rupture (fistula) occurs in one or both of these membranes, middle-ear pressure changes directly affect the inner ear. As a result, sufferers can experience vertigo, balance difficulty, nausea, vomiting and loss of hearing in the affected ear. Perilymph fistulas most result from dramatic changes in atmospheric pressure (such as experienced when SCUBA diving) or head trauma. Only in severe cases is surgery necessary. Fistulas are often self-mending as long as a strict regimen of bed rest is followed.

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