Articles

Endolymphatic hydrops is a disorder of the inner ear and can affect the endolymphatic fluid of the cochlea, the vestibular apparatus, or both. Although its underlying cause and natural history are unknown, it is believed to result from abnormalities in the quantity, composition, and/or pressure of the endolymph (the fluid within the endolymphatic sac, a compartment of the inner ear).

In a normal inner ear, the endolymph is main­tained at a constant volume and with specific concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, and other electrolytes. This fluid bathes the sensory cells of the inner ear and allows them to function normally. In an inner ear affected by hydrops, these fluid-system controls are believed to be lost or damaged. This may cause the volume and concentration of the endolymph to fluctuate in response to changes in the body’s circulatory fluids and electrolytes.

Approximately 40% of migraine patients have some accompanying vestibular syndrome involving disruption in their balance and/or dizziness at one time or another, which is often more persistent and debilitating than the original headache.

Third window syndrome: What it is and how it’s treated What is Third Window Syndrome? Third window syndrome describes a group of inner ear disorders that results from a leakage of pressure and/or fluid from

Tinnitus is abnormal noise perceived in one or both ears or in the head. Tinnitus (pronounced either “TIN-uh-tus” or “tin-NY-tus”) may be intermittent, or it might appear as a constant or continuous sound. It can be experienced as a ringing, hissing, whistling, buzzing, or clicking sound and can vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal.

Cause Infection or inflammation of the cochleovestibular nerve. Summary Vestibular Neuritis (or neuronitis) is a vestibular condition that is commonly caused by the inflammation of the vestibular branch of the 8th cranial nerve, which is

Hyperacusis is the perception of unusual auditory sensitivity to some environmental noises or tones. The effects of hyperacusis can range from a mild sense of unease to a complete loss of balance or upright posture with severe ear pain. Cochlear hyperacusis can be treated with acoustic therapies such as tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). Vestibular hyperacusis, however, continues to go untreated or unrecognized in many cases.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (or BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo, which is a false sensation of spinning.

– Benign – it is not life-threatening
– Paroxysmal – it comes in sudden, brief spells
– Positional – it gets triggered by certain head positions or movements
– Vertigo – a false sense of rotational movement

BPPV is a mechanical problem in the inner ear. It occurs when some of the calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) that are normally embedded in gel in the utricle become dislodged and migrate into one or more of the 3 fluid-filled semicircular canals, where they are not supposed to be. When enough of these particles accumulate in one of the canals they interfere with the normal fluid movement that these canals use to sense head motion, causing the inner ear to send false signals to the brain.

Professional Organizations Academy of Doctors of Audiology American Academy of Audiology American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery American Laryngological Association American Neurotology Society American Neurotology Society American Osteopathic College of Otolaryngology American Otological Society

Support groups offer people with vestibular disorders an opportunity to meet face-to-face with others who are experiencing similar challenges, as well as to hear presentations by health professionals on topics of interest. The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) serves as a hub for, and offers assistance to, support groups around the world. VeDA recently surveyed the leaders of these groups in an effort to identify the characteristics of successful support groups and how VeDA might improve the assistance it provides to them.

Of the 57 surveys that were distributed to group leaders, 27 were completed and mailed back to VeDA. Although the structure of the survey does not support rigorous statistical analysis, the compiled responses are summarized here, providing some observations about the features and leadership strategies of thriving groups (long-running groups and/or those that meet regularly), as opposed to those that struggle to meet regularly and maintain interest levels.

Wondering how to get your support group talking? Sometimes it just takes presenting a topic to the group and starting the conversation with some questions to promote a lively discussion. You may want to query

Invite a guest speaker Start the meeting with a lecture; allow questions from the audience afterward. Being a guest speaker at a meeting is one of the most important ways in which professionals can support

If you administer a vestibular disorders support group (or want to), we’re eager to help. VeDA assists support groups by publishing contact information for new or established groups as well as meeting dates and times in our Support Group Directory. We also provide administrative tools to make running a support group easy.