When is surgery necessary? When medical treatment isn't effective in controlling vertigo and other symptoms caused by vestibular system dysfunction, surgery may be considered. The type of surgery performed depends upon each individual's diagnosis and
The use of medication in treating vestibular disorders depends on whether the vestibular system dysfunction is in an initial or acute phase (lasting up to 5 days) or chronic phase (ongoing).
During the acute phase, and when other illnesses have been ruled out, medications that may be prescribed include vestibular suppressants to reduce motion sickness or anti-emetics to reduce nausea. Vestibular suppressants include three general drug classes: anticholinergics, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. Examples of vestibular suppressants are meclizine and dimenhydinate (antihistamine-anticholinergics) and lorazepam and diazepam (benzodiazepines).
Other medications that may be prescribed are steroids (e.g., prednisone), antiviral drugs (e.g., acyclovir), or antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin) if a middle ear infection is present. If nausea has been severe enough to cause excessive dehydration, intravenous fluids may be given.
During the chronic phase, symptoms must be actively experienced without interference in order for the brain to adjust, a process called vestibular compensation. Any medication that makes the brain sleepy, including all vestibular suppressants, can slow down or stop the process of compensation. Therefore, they are often not appropriate for long-term use. Physicians generally find that most patients who fail to compensate are either strictly avoiding certain movements, using vestibular suppressants daily, or both.
Changes in your diet can reduce dizziness Many people with Ménière’s disease (also called primary idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops), secondary endolymphatic hydrops, or vestibular migraine find that certain diet modifications help manage their condition. However, others
The Canalith Repositioning Procedure is also known as the "Epley maneuver." BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) occurs as a result of displaced otoconia, which are small crystals of calcium carbonate (also referred to as "otoliths"
Supplement for People with Chronic Dizziness Can balance retraining exercises help with dizziness? ‘Balance retraining’ is a therapy which can speed recovery from any change in balance system function - including changes caused by chronic
Maintaining balance depends on information received by the brain from the eyes, muscles and joints, and vestibular organs in the inner ear. When this system is disrupted by damage to one or more components through injury, disease, or the aging process you may experience impaired balance accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, vision problems, nausea, fatigue, and concentration difficulties.
Dizziness, vertigo and disequilibrium are common symptoms reported by adults during visits to their doctors. They are all symptoms that can result from a peripheral vestibular disorder (a dysfunction of the balance organs of the inner ear) or central vestibular disorder (a dysfunction of one or more parts of the central nervous system that help process balance and spatial information). Although these three symptoms can be linked by a common cause, they have different meanings, and describing them accurately can mean the difference between a successful diagnosis and one that is missed.
The inner ear’s vestibular organs and the associated nerves and brain centers form a complex system that serves many functions and can be affected by a number of outside systems. A thorough evaluation of the inner ear may therefore require several different kinds of tests.
Evidence has shown that vestibular rehabilitation can be effective in improving symptoms related to many vestibular - inner ear - disorders.1, 2 People with vestibular disorders often experience problems with vertigo, dizziness, visual disturbance, and/or
“Vestibular disorder” is an umbrella term used to encompass many different conditions that affect the inner ear and those parts of the central nervous system involved in maintaining balance.
Vestibular disorders can result from or be worsened by injuries, genetic or environmental conditions, or occur for unknown reasons. There are more than twenty-five known vestibular disorders. Each is unique, but many share common diagnostic traits, which can make it difficult for healthcare professionals to easily differentiate them.
The most commonly diagnosed vestibular disorders include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, Ménière’s disease, and secondary endolymphatic hydrops. Vestibular disorders also include superior semicircular canal dehiscence, acoustic neuroma, perilymph fistula, ototoxicity, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, migraine-associated vertigo, and Mal de Sébarquement. Other problems related to vestibular dysfunction include complications from aging, autoimmune disorders, and allergies.
Dizziness can happen at any age, but if it results in falling it can be a serious health concern, particularly in the older adult. Studies show that you can take action to reduce dizziness and your risk of falling.
Struggling with the daily symptoms of a vestibular disorder can be disheartening. But there is hope. You can learn coping strategies that reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. Many people describe this as adapting to their “new normal.” Our tips and tools come from vestibular patients, who have learned the hard way that small changes in your lifestyle can make a big difference in your physical, mental and emotional wellness.