Vestibular Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Comprehensive Care at Hearing Excellence Clinic

The vestibular system, responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation, is a fundamental part of our everyday life. But what happens when this vital system malfunctions? Vestibular disorders can disrupt your balance, orientation, and overall wellbeing. At Hearing Excellence Clinic, we have the expertise to help you navigate these issues and improve your quality of life.

Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders manifest through a variety of symptoms, often making it difficult for patients to explain their condition accurately. Here are some common symptoms associated with these disorders:

1. Dizziness: Often described as lightheadedness, wooziness, or a floating feeling, it’s the most common symptom of a vestibular disorder.

2. Vertigo: This symptom gives you the sensation of your surroundings spinning or moving, even when you’re still.

3. Balance problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, especially while walking or standing, is a clear sign of vestibular issues.

4. Visual disturbances: Patients may experience problems with their vision, such as blurry sight or difficulty focusing on an object.

5. Hearing changes: Many vestibular disorders can cause hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), or a feeling of fullness in the ear.

Common Causes of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders can have diverse causes, and the specific factors contributing to each individual’s condition may vary. Here are some common causes of vestibular disorders:

1. Inner Ear Conditions: Disorders affecting the inner ear, such as Ménière’s disease, labyrinthitis, and vestibular schwannoma, can disrupt the normal functioning of the vestibular system and lead to vestibular dysfunction.

2. Head Trauma: Injuries to the head, including concussions or trauma to the inner ear, can result in vestibular disorders. Whiplash injuries, common in car accidents, can also affect the vestibular system.

3. Viral Infections: Certain viral infections, such as vestibular neuritis or viral labyrinthitis, can cause inflammation and damage to the vestibular nerve or inner ear structures, resulting in vestibular dysfunction.

4. Medications: Some medications, such as specific antibiotics, anticonvulsants, or ototoxic drugs, can have side effects that affect the vestibular system and contribute to vestibular disorders.

5. Aging: Age-related degenerative changes in the vestibular system can lead to vestibular issues in older adults. These changes may result in decreased vestibular function and an increased risk of balance problems.

6. Other Factors: Vestibular disorders can also be associated with autoimmune disorders, genetic conditions, certain systemic diseases, or unknown causes. In some cases, the exact cause of the vestibular disorder may be challenging to determine.

Vestibular Assessment at Hearing Excellence

At Hearing Excellence, the Vestibular Assessment & Management service utilizes advanced diagnostic techniques to accurately identify vestibular disorders and develop personalized treatment plans. The assessment process includes several tests to evaluate various aspects of the vestibular system:

1. Detailed Symptom Assessment: Our experienced team gathers comprehensive information about your symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors to better understand your condition and develop an accurate diagnosis.

2. Basic Balance Tests: These tests assess your balance in different stances and conditions, including with eyes open and closed. By observing your postural stability, our team can gain valuable insights into your vestibular function.

3. Video-nystagmography (VNG): This specialized assessment involves using infrared goggles to examine the functionality of the inner sensors responsible for balance. By analyzing eye, head, and body movements, VNG helps identify any abnormalities in the vestibular system.

4. Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT): This test evaluates the function of the vestibular system by analyzing eye movements in response to rapid head movements. It provides insights into the integrity of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and helps differentiate between peripheral and central causes of vestibular symptoms.

5. Dynamic Visual Acuity Testing (DVA): DVA testing assesses visual acuity under conditions that simulate real-world dynamic movements. It evaluates an individual’s ability to maintain clear and focused vision during head or body motion, providing information about the functional status of the visual-vestibular system.

6. Dynamic Posturography via m-CTSIBs: This specialized assessment evaluates postural stability and balance control under different sensory conditions. It measures postural sway and stability using a force plate or balance platform, providing valuable data about the integration of sensory information for balance control.