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The inner ear’s vestibular organs and the associated nerves and brain centers form a complex system that serve many functions and can be affected by a number of outside systems, such as vision and proprioception (i.e. your muscles and joints). A thorough evaluation of your vestibular function may involve:
– Medical history
– Physical examination
– Tests of inner ear function
– Hearing tests
– Balance tests
– Vision tests
Our vision tells us where we are in space and plays an important role in helping us maintain our balance. When our eyes are not functioning correctly and/or are not working together, vestibular symptoms can arise.
Some vestibular disorders may result in hearing problems, such as hearing loss, tinnitus (the perception of a constant ringing or other sound) and hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound).
Managing vision and hearing problems appropriately is part of an effective vestibular treatment plan.
Symptoms from vestibular disorders are invisible and unpredictable. This does not mean that they are imaginary, but that they often contribute to a wide range of psychological impacts. People who have a vestibular disorder often need support and may benefit from counseling to cope with lifestyle changes, depression, guilt, and grief that comes from no longer being able to meet their own or others’ expectations.
A perilymph fistula (PLF) is an abnormal connection (a tear or defect) in one or both of the small, thin membranes (the oval window and the round window) that separate the air filled middle ear
What is Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease? Autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s natural defense system has difficulty telling the difference between its own cells and foreign cells, causing the body to mistakenly attack normal cells.
Vestibular disorders affect children When the vestibular system in children is disrupted it results in symptoms of vertigo or dizziness, oscillopsia or gaze instability, and delayed development or diminished balance and other motor abilities. Children
The following information is provided by the Acoustic Neuroma Association. This information appears in the organization’s “Newly Diagnosed Handbook”. Additional information can be found at anausa.org. What is an acoustic neuroma? Acoustic neuromas, also referred to
What is Ototoxicity? Ototoxicity: Oto = ear; toxicity = poisoning Ototoxicity is, quite simply, ear poisoning (oto = ear, toxicity = poisoning), which results from exposure to drugs or chemicals that damage the inner ear
Neck pain and dizziness Many people experience neck pain and dizziness. It may be difficult to tell whether the dizziness and the neck pain are related or just coincidental. Neck position has been known to
Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is an illusion of movement felt as an aftereffect of travel or other novel movements, such as sleeping on a waterbed, which continues even after the source of the motion is no longer present, and sometimes become chronic.
What is a cholesteatoma? A cholesteatoma is a skin growth that occurs in an abnormal location, the middle ear behind the eardrum. It is usually caused by repeated infection that causes an ingrowth of the
What is Otosclerosis? Otosclerosis is defined by abnormal and unregulated growth of bone within the bony structures that make up the middle ear.1 Any bone within the middle ear can be affected, however, the footplate