Vestibular Disorders : Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Overview 

One may have wondered how humans maintain balance while getting out of bed or walking on uneven terrain. This becomes possible due to a connection between the inner ear and the brain, called the vestibular system. Multiple diseases may affect the vestibular system. It’s crucial to be aware of them to look out for the symptoms and administer medical intervention as early as possible. This blog is a comprehensive guide on various vestibular disorders.  

What are vestibular disorders? 

A vestibular condition may result from damage to the vestibular system caused by disease or trauma. The vestibular system consists of the small organs inside the inner ear that send signals to the brain. The most typical symptoms of problems related to the vestibular system are dizziness and balance issues. But one may also experience hearing and visual problems.  

What are the general signs of vestibular disorders?

• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Imbalance
• Brain fog
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea
• Cognitive difficulties
• Motion sickness
• Psychological changes like depression.

What causes vestibular disorders?

Various reasons may cause vestibular disorders. It can result from trauma or even a virus. The causal agents may be different in different cases, which is addressed in the below section. 

What are some of the common vestibular disorders? 

Some of the common vestibular disorders are as follows:

1. Labyrinthitis: It occurs when there is an inflammation of the labyrinth, a delicate structure deep inside the ear. If one has this condition, one may have ear pain, pressure, pus coming from the ear, nausea, and a high fever. The patient may also face balance and hearing issues. The doctor may find out the underlying cause and treat it to minimise the effect of the symptoms. 
2. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV: This condition is the abrupt sensation of spinning or swaying. When microscopic calcium crystals in one area of the ear travel to another location where it is not supposed to move, the inner ear tricks the brain into thinking one is moving, even when they are not. 

• BPPV can be cured with a sequence of head motions that the healthcare provider suggests. These movements return the crystals to their proper positions, and the feeling of spinning reduces. 

3. Meniere’s disease : Sustained episodes of vertigo, tinnitus (a ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in the ears), hearing loss, and a sense of fullness in the affected ear are all symptoms of this condition. It may happen due to a virus, allergy, or autoimmune reaction. 
4. Vestibular neuritis: This condition affects the nerve that transmits sound and balance information from the inner ear to the brain. It can be brought on by a viral infection such as chickenpox or measles. The typical signs are sudden dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty walking. 

The doctor may prescribe medication to treat and eliminate the virus causing vestibular neuritis. 

• A Peri Lymphatic Fistula (PLF): It is a condition where a tear or defect between the fluid-filled inner and middle ear causes lightheadedness and perhaps impaired hearing. PLF can be inherited or result from head trauma, heavy lifting, or barotrauma (increased pressure in the ear). Perilymph fistulas may be repaired with surgery by removing tissue from the outer region of the ear and patching the tear.  

Other Vestibular Conditions 

• Vestibular migraine: If the balancing system in the brain receives incorrect signals, it can cause an intense headache, dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears. Additionally, they may experience blurry eyesight. 
• Acoustic neuroma: The nerves that regulate hearing and balance may be compressed by an acoustic neuroma, a slow-growing tumour in the inner ear. As a result, one develops hearing loss, ear ringing, and vertigo. A neuroma may occasionally enclose the facial nerve, resulting in numbness on that side of the face. Acoustic neuromas can be surgically removed, or the doctor may use radiation therapy to inhibit their growth.
• Mal de debarquement: The brain adjusts to the sensation when one moves in a way one hasn’t before, like on a boat. However, occasionally it may remain in the new motion, causing one to feel unsteady and as though one is being rocked or swayed even after a pause in the movement. The majority of the time, this gets better within a few hours, but occasionally, the symptoms last for weeks or even years. Sometimes one may move clumsily, have difficulties concentrating, or feel worn out. Although no known treatment exists, medicines and vestibular rehabilitation may help one manage the symptoms. 
• Ototoxicity: Certain medications and substances can harm the inner ear  and may even lead to hearing loss. 

Conclusion

The balancing system is intricate and relies on the fusion of sensory data from different body parts. The body is instructed to maintain balance in proportion to the needs of the environment by the central nervous system, which also integrates this input. Prompt medical assistance is required when dizziness is accompanied by additional symptoms, including weakness in one arm or leg, double vision, slurred speech, clumsiness in only one arm or leg, or numbness or weakness in the face.  

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What tests may be prescribed by the doctor to diagnose vestibular disorder? 

The doctors may order a hearing test called an audiogram and balance tests like posturography, rotating chair test, and electronystagmogram (ENG).  

Is dizziness itself a disease? 

No. Dizziness indicates an underlying problem like an ear balance issue .