Difficulties in accurately diagnosing vestibular disorders makes it difficult to estimate their incidence, however as many as 35% of Americans over 40 years have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction. Additionally, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 4% of Americans suffer chronic balance problems and 1.1% of Americans have problems with chronic dizziness.
Vestibular disorders can be classified into two groups:
The most common vestibular disorders include the following:
While symptoms and severity will vary between individuals and disorders, some of the most common symptoms indicating vestibular dysfunction include:
Vestibular disorders can be classified into two groups:
- Peripheral vestibular disorders caused by a dysfunction of the balance organs of the inner ear.
- Central vestibular disorders resulting from a dysfunction of one or more parts of the central nervous system that help process balance and spatial information.
The most common vestibular disorders include the following:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Acoustic neuromma
- Migraine associated vertigo
- Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis
- Cervicogenic disorders
- Age related vestibular concerns
While symptoms and severity will vary between individuals and disorders, some of the most common symptoms indicating vestibular dysfunction include:
- Vertigo and dizziness: This may included a spinning sensation, the illusion of movement of self or surroundings, and feeling lightheaded or as if floating
- Imbalance and spatial disorientation - Vestibular disorders can lead to difficulty walking , clumsiness, difficulty maintaining posture, etc.
- Vision problems - Patients with vestibular disorders may experience sensitivity to light, poor depth perception, and difficulty tracking objects.
- Hearing changes: Changes in hearing associated with vestibular disorders may included tinnitus (ringining in the ear) or hearing loss
Agrawal Y, Carey JP, Della Santina CC, Schubert MC, Minor LB. Disorders of balance and vestibular function in US adults. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(10): 938-944.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Strategic Plan (FY 2006-2008). www.nidcd.nih.gov/StaticResources/about/plans/strategic/strategic06-08.pdf.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Strategic Plan (FY 2006-2008). www.nidcd.nih.gov/StaticResources/about/plans/strategic/strategic06-08.pdf.