Conditions
Audiovestibular conditions are difficulties arising in the middle and inner ear. Their effects contribute to balance and hearing issues and sensations across the body. They can be psychologically distressing as our sympathetic nervous system often responds to the sensations/symptoms produced by the disorders. Therefore we may feel anxious, panicked or agitated when they arise.
You will find some of the common vestibular disorders described below:
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PPPD causes persistent dizziness, unsteadiness, or a sensation of rocking that lasts for three months or more. It typically develops after an event that disrupts balance, and symptoms worsen with upright posture, motion, and busy visual environments. With proper treatment including vestibular rehabilitation and therapy, most people see significant improvement.
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BPPV causes brief episodes of intense spinning vertigo triggered by specific head movements like rolling over in bed or looking up. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the wrong area. Simple repositioning maneuvers performed by a healthcare provider are often immediately effective.
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Vestibular migraine combines migraine symptoms with dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems, with episodes lasting from minutes to days. Not every episode includes a headache, and symptoms often include visual sensitivity, motion sickness, and feelings of disorientation. Treatment includes lifestyle modifications, preventive medications, and vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
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Meniere's disease causes unpredictable episodes of vertigo lasting 20 minutes to several hours, along with hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. It's caused by abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear that disrupts balance and hearing signals. While there's no cure, the condition can be effectively managed with dietary changes, medications, and in some cases, more advanced interventions.
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Vestibular neuritis is a sudden inflammation of the vestibular nerve that causes severe, continuous vertigo lasting several days, typically triggered by a viral infection. The acute phase gradually improves over weeks to months as the brain learns to compensate. Treatment includes symptom management medications initially, followed by vestibular rehabilitation therapy for optimal recovery.
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