Common types of vestibular disorders

Vestibular disorders occur when the body's balance system has problems, and are divided into many types such as paroxysmal positional vertigo and vestibular migraine.

The coordination between the inner ear and the brain that helps maintain balance while walking is called the vestibular system. Common symptoms of vestibular disorders include dizziness and difficulty maintaining balance. Some people may also have problems with hearing and vision. Here are some common types of vestibular disorders.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

This is the most common cause of positional vertigo, which is a sudden feeling of spinning or swaying. The attack is usually brief, lasting less than 60 seconds. It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals in the ear move out of place, causing the inner ear to send incorrect information to the brain, creating the illusion of movement.

Factors that can lead to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo include ear surgery, otitis media, head trauma... The condition can be treated through head movement exercises instructed by a doctor.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that occurs when the labyrinth, a thin structure deep inside the ear, becomes inflamed. Labyrinthitis affects balance and hearing. People may experience ear pain, pressure, pus or fluid draining from the ear, nausea, and high fever.

If the cause of labyrinthitis is infection, you may need to be treated with antibiotics to reduce inflammation, dizziness, and nausea.

Vestibular neuritis

Viral infections such as chickenpox and measles can lead to vestibular neuritis, a disorder that affects the nerve that sends sound and balance information from the inner ear to the brain. Common symptoms include sudden dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty walking.

Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease is an inner ear disorder in which pressure and volume in the endolymphatic labyrinth affect the function of the inner ear. People with this disorder often experience sudden dizziness, tinnitus (a ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in the ear), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear. Hearing loss worsens over time and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Certain lifestyle changes such as cutting down on salt, caffeine and alcohol can help relieve pain caused by Meniere's disease.

Perilymph fistula

Perilymph fistulas are tears or defects in the middle and inner ear that cause fluid to build up in the ear, causing dizziness and possibly hearing loss. Perilymph fistulas can be congenital or can be caused by barotrauma (increased pressure in the ear) or head trauma. Surgery can help repair perilymph fistulas.

Acoustic neuroma

This tumor in the inner ear is not cancerous, usually grows slowly, and can easily compress the nerves that control hearing and balance, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. In some cases, the tumor can press on the facial nerve, causing numbness.

Acoustic neuromas can be removed surgically or treated with radiation to stop them from growing.

Vestibular migraine

The brain sends incorrect signals to the balance system, which can lead to severe headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears. Vestibular migraines last from a few hours to a few days. They often occur in people with a history of migraines.

People who often suffer from vestibular migraines should see a doctor for appropriate treatment to avoid complications.

Anh Chi (According to WebMD )

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