Diseases of the Inner Ear

The inner ear changes mechanical sound waves to an impulse the brain interprets as sounds. It is also the center for balance. Related diseases include Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuronitis and perilymph fistula.

Considerations

• NIDCD describes Bening Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) as vertigo that occurs suddenly and intensely when changing the position of the head. It lasts only a brief moment.

More Considerations

• Labyrinthitis, irritation and swelling of the inner ear, may be the result of an ear infection such as otitis media or a URI (upper respiratory infection), according to Medline Plus.

Effects

• According to Merck, symptoms of Meniere's disease include sudden episodes of vertigo accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The vertigo may become disabling.

More Effects

• Vestibular neuronitis, a disease mostly affecting young to middle-aged adults, presents as a paroxysmal attack of dizziness and tinnitus, according to MedicineNet.

Types

• A perilymph fistula, fluid leaking from the inner ear to the middle ear, can occur when a head injury is sustained.