|  | Conditions Treatments | Ears Hearing

Human Vestibular Disease

Most people take their balance for granted until something goes wrong. If they feel unsteady and lightheaded, as if world around them is spinning, those are indicators of vestibular (inner ear) diseases and disorders. The most commonly diagnosed disorder is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

  1. The Facts

    • BPPV results in episodes of dizziness in association with head movement due to debris that has collected in the semicircular canal of the inner ear. The movement causes the "ear rocks" to move, sending false signals to the brain that bring about dizziness and vertigo.

    Causes

    • Movement is monitored in the inner ear by small organs in the vestibular labyrinth. The semicircular canals monitor the rotation of your head while the otolith organs monitor head movement and position. The otolith organs contain crystals that make a person sensitive to movement. Occasionally, they dislodge and end up in the semicircular canal, causing BPPV.

    Significance

    • BPPV can affect a person's quality of life, day-to-day functioning and ability to work depending on its severity

    Identification

    • Typically, a doctor will test a patient for signs of dizziness prompted by head movement or specifics eye movements, involuntary movement of the eyes from side to side and ability to control eye movement.

    Symptoms

    • BPPV is characterized by dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, problems hearing, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, lack of concentration and tinnitus.

    Treatment

    • Treatment involves repositioning maneuvers that move the debris from the semicircular canals back into the otolith organs. In rare cases, doctors may recommend surgery.

Ears Hearing - Related Articles