Acephalgic
Without head pain.
Acoustic Neuroma
A serious but nonmalignant tumor that develops on the inner ear’s vestibulo-cochlear nerve, which transmits both balance and sound information to brain.
More info: Acoustic Neuroma
Acrophobia
Fear of heights.
Activities Specific Balance Confidence (ABC)
A subjective assessment that examines how confident patients are when performing various tasks.
Agoraphobia
An anxiety disorder characterized by fear of situations, places, or locations that may cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment.
More info: Psychology
Akinesia
Loss, or slowness, of movement.
Aminoglycosides
Group of antibiotics that can produce vestibular or cochlear toxicity.
Ampulla
A portion of the inner ear and vestibular system–dilated ending of the semicircular canal containing the cupula.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Antihistamine
Class of medications utilized to address chronic vertigo or motion sickness.
More info: Medication
Antivert
Brand name of Meclizine.
Anxiety
A mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities.
More info: Psychology
Apraxia
Loss of skilled movements despite preservation of power, sensation and coordination.
Ataxia
Incoordination in movements, may impact various daily activities including walking and balance.
Ativan
Brand name of Lorazepam.
Audiologist
A highly trained professional whose scope of practice includes identification, assessment and diagnosis of people with hearing and vestibular (balance) disorders.
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Autoimmune Inner Ear Disorder
When a virus attacks, the immune system defends the body. When the immune system malfunctions, its defense capabilities sometimes mistake the body’s own cells for invading viruses or germs and attack them, which is referred to as autoimmunity. The immune system can attack the whole body or just certain systems, including the ear. When the ear is itself attacked, this is known as autoimmune inner ear disease.
More info: Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease
Autophony
Increased hearing/perception of a person’s own voice, breathing or other self-generated sounds.
More info: Vestibular Symptoms
Balance System
The system of mechanisms in the body that helps to maintain balance.
More info: The Human Balance System
Base of Support (BOS)
The area beneath a person that includes all points of contact with the ground or other supporting surfaces.
More info: The Human Balance System
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is a common vestibular disorder that causes vertigo, dizziness, and other symptoms due to debris that has collected within a part of the inner ear. This debris, called otoconia, is made up of small crystals of calcium carbonate (sometimes referred to informally as “ear rocks”). With head movement, the displaced otoconia shift, sending false signals to the brain.
More info: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Benzodiazepines
Class of medications utilized to promote vestibular sedation (decrease the activity of the vestibular system) with acute vertigo.
More info: Medication
Bilateral
Affecting both sides of the body.
Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction (BVH)Bilateral Vestibular Loss
Reduction or loss of vestibular function bilaterally results in difficulty maintaining balance, especially when walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces, and in a decrease in the patient’s ability to see clearly during head movements. Bilateral vestibular hypofunction and loss can occur as secondary to a number of different problems.
More info: Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
Bilateral Vestibular Loss (BVL)
Alternate name for Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction.
More info: Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
Bradykinesia
Slowed movements.
Brain fog
When the brain is dedicating a great deal of energy to maintain equilibrium and stay steady, activities such as recalling details or short-term memory may become more difficult, and thinking might seem slow.
More info: Vestibular Symptoms
Caloric Testing
Component of ENG/VNG testing, intended to assess for asymmetric horizontal canal / superior vestibular nerve function, that involves irrigation of warm and cold water or air into the external auditory canal.
More info: Tests For Diagnosing Vestibular Disorders
Canalith Repositioning Maneuver (CRM)
Treatment intended to move displaced otoconia from the affected semicircular canal to the utricle-used in the treatment of BPPV.
More info: Canalith Repositioning Procedure (for BPPV)
Canalithiasis
Variant of BPPV where otoconia are free floating within the semicircular canal.
More info: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
CANVAS
An easy to remember acronym for cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome.
More info: CANVAS Syndrome
Center of Gravity (COG)
The point in the body on which gravity acts, this point changes based on position and activity.
More info: The Human Balance System
Central Vestibular System
Parts of the central nervous system (brain and brainstem) that process information from the peripheral vestibular system about balance and spatial orientation.
More info: Central Vestibular Disorders
Cephalgia
Head pain.
Cerebellar Degeneration (CD)
Degeneration of the nerve cells in the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination of limb and eye movements.
Cerebellum
Portion of the brain that modulates balance, limb, and eye movements.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Cervicogenic Dizziness
People with cervicogenic dizziness tend to complain of dizziness or general disorientation (a sensation of movement of the self or the environment) that is often worse during head movements or after maintaining certain neck positions for a long time. Dizziness or lightheadedness usually occurs during or soon after experiencing neck pain, stiffness and/or decreased neck range of motion. It may be accompanied by an occipital (back of the head) headache and exacerbated by head movements, not by physical or cognitive activity.
More info: Cervicogenic Dizziness
Chiropractor
A medical professional that treats disorders related to the nervous system by manipulating the musculoskeletal system, primarily by making adjustments to the spine, but also through exercise, lifestyle counseling, and dietary recommendations.
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Chronic
A disease or symptom that is long-lasting.
Chronic Subjective Dizziness (CSD)
Former name for Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness.
Cisplatnin
Chemotherapy agent with vestibular-toxic properties.
Clinical Test of Sensory Integration for Balance (CTSIB)
A balance test that may be performed to discover how your vestibular system is working with the other parts of your balance system.
Cochlear Implant
A prosthetic device that, unlike hearing aids which amplify sound, bypass the outer, middle, and inner ear and directly stimulate auditory nerve fibers.
Collic
Referring to the neck.
Compensation
A decrease in vestibular symptoms as the brain recalibrates and fine tunes incoming signals from the inner ear.
More info: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)
A test that measures postural stability, or the ability to maintain upright posture in different environmental conditions. Often used in vestibular assessment and treatment.
More info: Tests For Diagnosing Vestibular Disorders
Concussion
A brain injury caused by the head striking an object or a quick acceleration/deceleration of the head without any contact.
More info: Traumatic Brain Injury
Conductive Hearing Loss
Hearing loss produced by abnormalities of the outer ear or middle ear. These abnormalities create a hearing loss by interfering with the transmission of sound from the outer ear to the inner ear.
More info: Vision & Hearing
Convergence
Moving the eyes toward one another to assist with clear vision.
More info: Vision & Hearing
Craniotomy
Neurosurgical procedure to open the cranial cavity.
Cupulolithiasis
A variant of BPPV in which the debris is stuck to the cupula of a semicircular canal rather than being loose within the canal.
More info: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Decompensation
A return of vestibular symptoms following compensation. Can be caused by different emotional and/or physical stressors.
More info: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Dehiscence
Refers to a split or opening in a structure.
More info: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Depersonalization
A feeling of detachment from your own body, thoughts, or feelings. Has been described as feeling like you are observing yourself from outside your own body, or like being in a dream.
Derealization
Derealization is a mental state where you feel detached from your surroundings.
DiazepamValium
Benzodiazepine used to promote vestibular sedation (decrease in vestibular functioning) with acute vertigo.
More info: Medication
DimenhydrinateDramamine
Antihistamine used to promote vestibular sedation (decrease in vestibular function) with chronic vertigo or motion sickness.
More info: Medication
Disequilibrium
Unsteadiness, imbalance, or loss of equilibrium. Often accompanied by spatial disorientation (a sensation of not knowing where one’s body is in relation to the vertical and horizontal planes).
More info: Vestibular Symptoms
Dix-Hallpike ManeuverBarany Maneuver, Hallpike Maneuver
Testing procedure intended to identify anterior or posterior canal BPPV.
More info: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Dizziness
Non-specific term encompassing feelings of imbalance, spinning and lightheadedness.
More info: Vestibular Symptoms
Dizziness Handicap Index (DHI)
A subjective test that examines the impact of dizziness on an individual’s life and functioning.
Dramamine
Brand name of Dimenhydrinate.
Dynamic Gait Index (DGI)
A test that may be performed to examine an individual’s balance while walking under various conditions.
Dynamic Visual Accuity (DVA)
A clinical test that measures how well and clearly an individual can see when their head is in motion.
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Technique to detect the surface electrical activity of the brain.
Electromyography
Technique to determine the electrical activity of peripheral nerves.
Electronystagmography (ENG)
Measurement of eye movements with electrodes surrounding the eye.
More info: Tests For Diagnosing Vestibular Disorders
Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct (EVA)
An enlarged vestibular aqueduct is usually accompanied by an enlargement of the endolymphatic duct and sac, which help maintain the volume and ionic composition of endolymph necessary for transmitting hearing and nerve signals to the brain. When EVA causes hearing loss or balance symptoms, it is referred to as enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome (EVAS).
More info: Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct (EVA)
Epley Maneuver
Treatment designed to address posterior canal BPPV.
More info: Canalith Repositioning Procedure (for BPPV)
Frenzel goggles
Utilized to block gaze fixation with the use of magnified lenses and illumination.
More info: Peripheral Vestibular System
Fukuda Step Test
Postural control test utilized to uncompensated unilateral vestibular loss.
Gaze Evoked Nystagmus (GEN)
Nystagmus that occurs when an individual is looking at a fixed point.
Gentamycin
Antibiotic with vestibular-toxic properties.
Habituation
An acquired tolerance gained by repeated exposure to a particular stimulus. Habituation exercises may be performed as part of vestibular rehabilitation therapy if a patient has a sensitivity to certain movements or activities.
More info: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Head-Shaking induced Nystagmus (HSN)
Nystagmus that occurs following a slow shaking of the head.
Hemianopia
Loss of sight affecting one half of the visual field (e.g. bitemporal hemianopia).
More info: Vision & Hearing
Hormones
A regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood or sap to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.
More info: Hormones
Hydrops
Distention of the labyrinth with fluid, a likely component of Meniere’s Disease.
More info: Secondary Endolymphatic Hydrops (SEH)
Inner ear
The semicircular canals and cochlea, which form the organs of balance and hearing and are embedded in the temporal bone.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Invisible illness
This is an umbrella term for any medical condition that is not easily visible to others, often applies to vestibular disorders and the symptoms may be hard to see from the outside.
Kinanesthesia
Inability to perceive your own movements.
Kinesthesia
Perception of movement.
Labyrinth
Complex system of chambers and passageways of the inner ear anatomy. Includes both the hearing and balance portions of the inner ear.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Labyrinthitis
Disorder resulting from an infection that inflames the inner ear, specifically the labyrinth, may result in hearing changes as well as dizziness or vertigo.
More info: Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis
LorazepamAtivan
A medication (a benzodiazepine) used to promote vestibular sedation (decrease the activity of the vestibular system) with acute vertigo.
More info: Medication
Maculae
Sensory epithelium contains hair cells that are stimulated by linear acceleration and deceleration within the otolithic organs.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Mal de Debarquement (MdDS)
Mal de débarquement literally means “sickness of disembarkment.” This term originally referred to the illusion of movement felt as an aftereffect of travel by ship or boat. Some experts now include other types of travel, such as by train and airplane, and situations with new and different movement patterns, such as reclining on a waterbed.
More info: Mal de Débarquement
Mastoid
Bony prominence at the base of the skull behind the ear, containing air spaces that connect with the middle ear cavity.
More info: Ear Anatomy
MeclizineAntivert
A medication (an antihistamine) used to promote vestibular sedation (decrease the activity of the vestibular system). May be used as part of the management of chronic vertigo or motion sickness.
More info: Medication
Meniere’s Disease
Ménière’s disease is a vestibular disorder that produces a recurring set of symptoms as a result of abnormally large amounts of a fluid called endolymph collecting in the inner ear. The exact cause of Ménière’s disease is not known. The four classic symptoms are vertigo, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and fluctuating hearing.
More info: Ménière’s Disease
Middle Ear
Air-filled cavity containing the ossicles and tympanic membrane. Transfers sound energy from the outer ear to the cochlea of the inner ear.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
A disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury. mTBI may lead to vestibular symptoms.
More info: Traumatic Brain Injury
Mixed hearing loss
Hearing loss produced by abnormalities in both the conductive and sensorineural mechanisms of hearing.
More info: Vision & Hearing
Motion Sensitivity Quotient (MSQ)
A clinical test performed to examine an individual’s sensitivity to various movements and body motions.
Motion sickness
The nausea, disorientation and fatigue that can be induced by head motion.
More info: Motion Sickness
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
An autoimmune disease of the brain and spinal cord that may cause vestibular and/or balance systems symptoms, such as imbalance and problems walking.
Neuro-Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists with a subspecialty that focuses on vision problems that are related to the nervous system, including the optic nerve and visual pathways.
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Neurologist
Diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain and nervous system. They do not perform surgery, but they can recommend surgical treatment by an otolaryngologist, neurotologist, or neurosurgeon.
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Neuronal Hearing Loss
Hearing deficit resulting from damage to the vestibular cochlear nerve.
More info: Vision & Hearing
Neuropathy
Disease of nerve cells, can be the cause of decreased sensation in the limbs which may further complicate balance for those with vestibular disorders.
Nystagmus
Involuntary, alternating, rapid and slow movements of the eyeballs.
More info: Vestibular Symptoms
Occupational Therapist
A health-care professional responsible for helping patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Ophthalmoplegia
Weakness of one or more of the eye muscles that control eye movement .
More info: Vision & Hearing
Optokinetic
Eye movements that occur in response to sustained rotations of objects that encompass a large portion of the visual field.
Optometrist
A doctor who examines the eyes to determine visual acuity and eye health.
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Orthostatic Tremor
Rhythmical muscle contractions present with standing.
More info: Vestibular Symptoms
Oscillopsia
Inability for eyes to focus on an object when a person’s body and/or head is moving, people may experience blurred or “jumping” vision.
More info: Vestibular Symptoms
Ossicles
Middle ear bones (malleus, incus and stapes) that transmit sound from the tympanic membrane to the oval window of the inner ears.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Otoconia
Calcium carbonate crystals embedded within the maculae within the otolith organs.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Otolaryngologist
Physicians and surgeons who diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures.
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Otologist/Neurotologist
Otologists/Neurotologists are otolaryngologists who have completed 1-2 years of additional training. They specialize in the ear and its connections to the brain. Evaluation by an otologist/neurotologist is appropriate when a person has been seen by a primary care physician or otolaryngologist/ENT, but needs a further opinion or a more specific diagnosis.
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Otoneurologist
A neurologist with additional years of specialized training. They approach dizziness and balance disorders from the brain outward instead of from the ear in toward the brain (as in neurotologists).
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Otosclerosis
The abnormal growth of bone of the inner ear which prevents structures within the ear from working properly and causes different types of hearing loss. In addition to hearing loss, some people with otosclerosis experience dizziness and balance problems.
More info: Otosclerosis
Ototoxic
Ototoxicity (“ear poisoning”) is due to exposure to drugs or chemicals that damage the inner ear or the vestibulo-cochlear nerve, which sends balance and hearing information from the inner ear to the brain. Ototoxicity can result in temporary or permanent disturbances of hearing, balance, or both.
More info: Ototoxicity
Paroxysmal
Recurrent and sudden intensification of symptoms.
Perilymph
The fluid that fills the space between the semicircular canals and vestibule (utricle and saccule) and the surrounding bone.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Perilymph FistulaPerilymphatic Fistula
A tear or defect in one of the small, thin membranes that separate the middle ear from the fluid-filled inner ear. When a fistula is present, changes in middle ear pressure will directly affect the inner ear, stimulating the balance and/or hearing structures and causing symptoms.
More info: Perilymph Fistula
Peripheral vestibular system
Parts of the inner ear anatomy that are concerned with balance and body orientation; consists of the semicircular canals, utricle, and saccule. Peripheral in this context means outside the central nervous system (brain and brainstem), to which the peripheral system sends information.
More info: Peripheral Vestibular System
Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
A vestibular disorder that includes sensations of rocking, unsteadiness, and/or dizziness with vertigo lasting 3 months or more. Symptoms include non-vertiginous dizziness and unsteadiness that is increased by a person’s own motion, exposure to environments with a complex or moving stimuli (e.g., stores, crowds), and performance of tasks that required precise visual focus (e.g., reading, using a computer). PPPD is NOT a psychiatric disorder, but rather a neuro-otologic condition with behavioral elements.
More info: Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness
Phenergan
Brand name of Promethazine.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists (PTs/DPTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are licensed healthcare providers who optimize physical function, movement, performance, health, quality of life, and well-being across the lifespan. PTs who practice vestibular rehabilitation have undergone advanced training to address the care of patients with dizziness.
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Placebo-Controlled
A research study where one group of participants receives a fake treatment, the results of which are compared with the real treatment.
More info: Getting Involved In Research
Positioning maneuvers
A series of monitored, sequential, accurate movements of the head through space, employed to treat BPPV.
More info: Single Treatment Maneuvers for BPPV
Prism lenses/glasses
A special type of glasses that may be used to help correct deficits in binocular vision.
More info: Binocular Vision Correction
PromethazinePhenergan
Antihistamine utilized to address chronic vertigo and motion sickness.
More info: Medication
Proprioception
The detection of position and movement of body parts.
Psychiatrist
Medical doctors specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness. Their training focuses on the relationship between emotional illness and other medical illnesses; their training qualifies them to distinguish between physical and psychological causes of symptoms.
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Psychologist
Healthcare specialists who have a doctoral degree in the study of the mind and behavior. They can order neurological psychological testing and perform counseling therapy and behavior modification therapy.
More info: Healthcare Specialties
Randomized Study
A research study where participants are randomly assigned to a group that will either get the experimental treatment or the placebo.
More info: Getting Involved In Research
Reflex
An involuntary motion resulting from a stimulus.
Roll Test
Maneuver intended to identify horizontal canal BPPV.
Round Window
Membrane-covered opening between the inner ear and the middle ear.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Saccades
Abrupt, rapid movement of both eyes utilized to change the point of fixation (the point that the eyes are looking at).
Saccule
Sac-like inner ear organ containing otoliths which senses vertical motion of the head.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Secondary Endolymphatic Hydrops (SEH)
A disorder of the inner ear that involves abnormalities in the quantity, composition, and pressure of an inner-ear fluid called endolymph, apparently in response to an event or underlying condition such as head trauma or ear surgery. It can occur with other inner ear disorders, allergies, or systemic disorders.
More info: Secondary Endolymphatic Hydrops (SEH)
Semicircular Canal (SCC)
Circular, fluid-filled, ducts within the vestibular organ responsible; structure promotes the detection of angular accelerations.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Semont Maneuver
Treatment designed to address posterior canal BPPV, canalithiasis or cupulolithiasis.
More info: Single Treatment Maneuvers for BPPV
Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)
Hearing loss produced by abnormalities of the cochlea or the auditory nerve or of the nerve pathways that lead beyond the cochlea to the brain.
More info: Vision & Hearing
Sensory Organization Test (SOT)
A test used to assess an individual’s ability to use all parts of the balance system in order to maintain balance in a variety of conditions.
Single Limb Stance (SLS)
Standing on one leg, may be used to test balance.
Spatial Disorientation
Decreased ability of the human vestibular, visual and somatosensory systems to determine the internal representation of space and subjective body orientation in three-dimensional coordinates, in order to determine body position relative to visual space, which is a necessary prerequisite for accurate motor response.
More info: Vestibular Symptoms
Stapedectomy
Surgical removal of the stapes followed by prosthetic replacement.
Static Visual Acuity (SVA)
The ability to clearly see an object when the head is not moving.
Superior Canal Dehiscence (SCD)
Alternate name for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence.
More info: Third Window Syndrome
Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD)Superior Canal Dehiscence
A syndrome resulting from an opening (dehiscence) in the bone overlying the superior (uppermost) semicircular canal within the inner ear. With this dehiscence, the fluid in the membranous superior canal (which is located within the tubular cavity of the bony canal) can be displaced by sound and pressure stimuli, creating certain vestibular and/or auditory signs and symptoms.
More info: Third Window Syndrome
Thrombosis
Blood clot.
Timed Up and Go (TUG)
A balance test that assesses how quickly and safely an individual is able to stand, walk a short distance, turn around, and sit back down.
Trigger
An event or circumstance or substance that is the cause of something (typically a symptom when dealing with vestibular disorders).
Tympanic membraneEardrum
Structure of the ear that separates the external ear canal from the middle-ear air cavity.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Unilateral
Affecting only one side of the body.
Unilateral Vestibular Loss (UVL)
Loss of vestibular function due to damage to one (not both) vestibular organs.
Utricle
Otolithic organ that primarily detects horizontal linear accelerations.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Valium
Brand name of Diazepam.
Valsalva Maneuver
Attempt to forcibly exhale with the glottis, nose and mouth closed.
Vergence
Movement of the eyes in opposite directions used in adjusting to near or far vision.
More info: Vision & Hearing
Vertebral-Basilar Insufficiency (VBI)
Inadequate blood flow through the posterior part of the brain that is supplied by two vertebral arteries that merge to form the basilar artery. Symptoms are similar to some vestibular diagnoses, such as labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
More info: Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency Screening
Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency
The vertebral and basilar arteries carry blood to the inner ear labyrinth, the vestibulo-cochlear nerve, and the brainstem. When blood flow through these vessels is restricted for any reason, it is called vertebrobasilar insufficiency. This is a common cause of vertigo in the elderly. The vertigo occurs suddenly without warning, usually lasts for several minutes, and can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, headache, and impaired vision.
More info: Types of Vestibular Disorders
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs)
A laboratory test of saccular / inferior vestibular nerve function.
More info: Tests For Diagnosing Vestibular Disorders
Vestibular Migraine
Migraine, a disorder usually associated with headache, is extremely common and can cause several vestibular symptoms. Studies suggest that about 25 percent of migraineurs experience dizziness or vertigo during attacks. Migraine-associated vertigo (MAV) or Vestibular Migraine can occur with or without pain.
More info: Vestibular Migraine
Vestibular Neuritis
Disorder resulting from an infection that inflames the inner ear, specifically the vestibular branch of the vestibulo-cochlear nerve, results in dizziness or vertigo, but no change in hearing.
More info: Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
A specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It is an exercise-based program primarily designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls.
More info: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Vestibular System
The portion of the balance system that provides sensory information about motion, equilibrium, and spatial orientation. Information is provided by the vestibular apparatus which is located in each ear and includes the utricle, saccule, and three semicircular canals.
More info: The Human Balance System
Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential
Laboratory test of saccular / inferior vestibular nerve function.
More info: Tinnitus
Vestibular-Ocular Reflex (VOR)
A reflex that coordinates the visual and vestibular system to assist in clear vision and balance.
More info: The Connection between Vision & Balance
Vestibulocochlear nerve
Nerve that carries information from the inner ear to the brain. Also called the eighth cranial nerve, auditory nerve, or acoustic nerve.
More info: Ear Anatomy
Videonystagmography (VNG)
Measurement of eye movements with the use of video.
More info: Tests For Diagnosing Vestibular Disorders
Visual fixation
Maintaining visual focus on the same point.