The human body has various systems that work in tandem to ensure that the body is working properly. One example of this is the vestibular system, which links the brain and the inner ears. Naturally, even this system can fail from time to time, causing vestibular disorders.
Vestibular disorders are not rare. It’s estimated that over six million patients suffer from vestibular disorders in the US alone. Often, when this disorder strikes, it can be tough to treat. As such, one needs to know some of the most common vestibular disorders, which we’ll discuss in this article. Read on below to get started.
Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic Neuroma is a benign tumor that develops on the vestibular nerve. The vestibular nerve is the nerve that translates sound signals into the vestibular system. This tumor can be pretty hard to diagnose despite being straightforward to treat.
These tumors are generally benign, although they can cause significant hearing loss. Acoustic neuromas can infect one ear or both, sometimes hard to detect.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is a disorder caused by loose pieces of the inner ear. These pieces are generally caused by the breakdown of the inner ear, which then triggers the BPPV.
This disorder is often triggered by sudden and intense head movement. This is why some people experience symptoms of BPPV after riding in a car, boat, or airplane. Other symptoms include dizziness and nausea, as well as a feeling that the objects in your room are spinning.
Enlarged Vestibular Aqueducts (EVA)
EVA is a disorder triggered by the compression of the vestibular aqueduct, which is part of the inner ear. This disorder can be seen in people who have a genetic defect. One of the consequences of this disorder is that it can affect the patient’s balance.
This disorder is most commonly seen in people who have a genetic condition called Möbius syndrome. In some instances, a person suffering from EVA will have no symptoms and may only require a hearing test.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s Disease is an inner ear disorder characterized by vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. The condition is caused by swelling of the inner ear and changes in the pressure in the middle ear.
The symptoms of Meniere’s Disease include hearing loss, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness in the ear. This disorder is tough to diagnose because it often mimics other inner ear disorders.
Perilymphatic Fistula (PLF)
PLF is an inner ear disorder triggered by a tear in the inner ear membrane. This tear then causes the leakage of the liquid in the inner ear. Symptoms of this disorder include vertigo and tinnitus and the feeling of fullness in the ear.
This disorder can often be tough to diagnose because it mimics other inner ear disorders. PLF is often mistaken for Meniere’s Disease, a condition caused by fluid in the inner ear.
Ototoxicity
Ototoxicity is a disorder caused by a toxin that destroys the inner ear. This toxin can come from many sources, with one of the most common sources being medications.
Some of the most common drugs that cause ototoxicity are antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs. If you are experiencing any symptoms of ototoxicity, you should speak to a doctor immediately.
Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular Neuritis is a disorder triggered by inflammation of the vestibular nerve. Viruses or bacteria could also trigger this disorder. The symptoms of this disorder include vertigo and tinnitus.
This disorder can often be hard to diagnose because it mimics many other inner ear disorders. In some instances, symptoms of this disorder can resolve on their own without treatment.
Treating Vestibular Disorders
While they seem scary, it’s possible to treat vestibular disorders. In most cases, doctors will instruct the patient to rest. The doctor may also recommend sleeping in a dark and quiet room in some cases.
You can also take over-the-counter drugs such as pain relief medication. In some instances, the doctor may recommend wearing a neck collar to prevent you from making movements that may exacerbate your symptoms. Other times, the doctor may also recommend that you wear earplugs when you go to sleep because you may experience the motion of objects around you while you sleep, which may cause your symptoms to worsen.
In severe cases, the doctor may also recommend that you undergo surgery to remove the tumor or improve the inner ear’s drainage. These surgical procedures are often very effective in improving the symptoms of this disorder.
Conclusion
Vestibular disorders are one of the more challenging disorders to deal with, mainly because other inner ear disorders can mimic them. The good thing is that there are treatments for vestibular disorders, which can help you recover. As long as you follow your doctor’s instructions, you can get through them.
If you’re looking for hearing tests in Massachusetts, Hear More Associates is the one for you! Our team of experienced audiologists will ensure that your hearing will be in top shape, so contact us today for a consultation!
