Common Vestibular Ailments
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (B.P.P.V.)

Degeneration of the salt-like crystals (otoliths) in the utricle which break free and float into or attach to the semicircular canals.

Symptoms include: attacks of vertigo with rapid, pitched head motion, e.g., rolling in or out of bed or simply looking up. Treatment options include: Medication, Diet modifications, Vestibular Rehab, Surgery

Meniere's Disease
Meniere's disease involves a malfunction of the inner ear affecting the cochlea and labrynth due to an increased hydrolic (fluid) pressure.

Symptoms may include hearing loss, tinnitus, feeling of fullness and vertigo. Treatment options include: Meidcation, Diet modification, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Surgery

Central Dizziness
A loss or change of bloodflow within the brain may be caused by small strokes or vascular disease affecting the arteries supplying blood to the central vestibular connections.

Symptoms may include a constant feeling of fogginess, or dizziness. It may be worsened with head motion. Treatment options include: Vascular-Neurological consultation, Medication, Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibulopathy
A change or reduction in the output of one or both of the balance portions of the inner ear (vestibular system) may be caused by infection, illness, trauma, or simply the natural aging process.

Symptoms may include: Positional vertigo, a sense of motion with rapid head movement, or a visually provoled motion intolerance. Treatment options include: Vestibular Rehabilitation, Medication.

Dysequilibrium
Dysequilibrium involves a loss or change of balance which may be caused by changes from any one or all three of the primary equilibrium sensory systems, or the central relay system in the brain.

Symptoms may include a loss of sure footedness, difficulty walking or moving about without touching walls or objects, and trouble changing surfaces, e.g., tile to carpeting. Treatment options include: Balance Retraining