Vestibular syndrome: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Overview of Vestibular Disorders
What is vestibular disorder?
The vestibular system is located behind the cochlea, and plays an important role in maintaining body balance, posture, and coordinating eye, head, and body movements.
The eighth cranial nerve is the pathway that transmits information that controls the vestibular system to maintain body balance. When we move, bend, or rotate, the vestibular system tilts and shakes to keep the body balanced.
Vestibular disorders are caused by damage to the eighth cranial nerve due to a variety of factors, which can lead to the transmission of distorted information, causing the body to lose its ability to control balance, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, nausea, etc.
In addition, conditions such as cerebrovascular occlusion or anemia can also cause the vestibular system to receive information from the brain slowly or incorrectly, leading to vestibular syndrome.
Causes of Vestibular Disorders
What are the causes of vestibular disorders?
Vestibular disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Inner ear infections caused by viruses or bacteria
- Head injuries
- Circulatory problems, such as blockages of the vestibular artery or spasms of the spinal artery that affect the inner ear or brain
- Genetic factors and environmental factors (noise pollution, stress, etc.)
Research has shown that balance problems and dizziness can also be caused by the use of medications for chronic pain, not cancer or other neurological disorders.
Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders
What are the symptoms of vestibular disorders?
When the vestibular system is damaged by disease, aging, or injury, vestibular dysfunction can occur and is often associated with one or more symptoms, including:
- Vertigo, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Loss of balance and coordination, which can lead to falls
- Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, floaters, and sensitivity to light
- Hearing disturbances, such as tinnitus
- Cognitive or psychological changes, such as anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and reduced attention span
The type and severity of vestibular disorder symptoms can vary from person to person. In some cases, symptoms may be more severe in older adults.
Some people with vestibular disorders can experience a significant impact on their daily lives and in school or work due to symptoms such as decreased concentration, reduced attention span, and excessive anxiety. In severe cases, the disease can significantly affect the ability to perform simple, everyday activities such as eating, bathing, or even getting out of bed in the morning.
Risk Factors for Vestibular Disorders
Who is at risk for vestibular disorders?
- Age: The risk of developing vestibular disorders increases with age, especially the risk of balance problems.
According to a large epidemiological study, it is estimated that about 35% of adults over 40 years of age (69 million people) suffer from vestibular disorders.
History of dizziness: If you have had dizziness in the past, you are more likely to experience dizziness in the future.
Living and working environment: Excessive noise, unpleasant weather conditions, etc.
In fact, vestibular disorders are more common in people who work in office environments, such as office workers, students, etc. This is because these people often sit for long periods of time, which can lead to blockage or spasm of the vertebral artery, resulting in circulatory disorders and reduced blood supply to the brain.
- Stress: People of all ages and genders who are often stressed are also at increased risk of developing vestibular disorders.
Preventing Vestibular Disorders
What lifestyle habits can help you limit or reduce the severity of vestibular disorders?
You can manage this condition by following these tips:
- Limit reading, using a phone or working on a computer while traveling in a car, bus, or train.
- Wear sunglasses and a hat if your dizziness is caused by light sensitivity.
- Avoid flying if you have sinusitis, ear infection, or blocked ear.
- Avoid listening to loud music or going to places with a lot of noise.
- Increase physical activity to improve blood circulation to the brain.
- Find ways to reduce stress and anxiety in your daily life and work.
Diagnostic Methods for Vestibular Disorders
What medical tests are used to diagnose vestibular disorders?
Based on the medical history and physical examination, doctors can use this information to perform diagnostic tests to evaluate the function of the vestibular system and rule out other causes of symptoms. Some tests that doctors may order include:
Electronystagmography (ENG): This procedure uses small electrodes placed on the skin around the eyes to measure eye movements. This helps to evaluate signs of vestibular dysfunction or neurological problems.
Rotational testing: This is another method to evaluate the coordination of the eyes and inner ear. This test uses video goggles or electrodes to track eye movements when the head moves.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): This test provides information about how the hair cells in the inner ear are working by measuring their response to a series of sound stimuli created by a small speaker placed in the ear canal.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI creates cross-sectional images of the body's tissues to detect tumors, strokes, and other soft-tissue abnormalities that can cause symptoms of imbalance such as dizziness or fainting.
Treatment Methods for Vestibular Disorders
What are the treatments for vestibular disorders?
Based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, the doctor can choose the appropriate treatment method for the patient, from lifestyle changes to medication and finally surgery:
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: This is a method that uses exercises that coordinate the head, body, and eyes. These exercises are designed to train the brain to recognize, process, and coordinate the signals from the vestibular system.
Exercise: The doctor will provide specialized exercises tailored to each patient to restore vestibular function. Exercise can also help reduce stress and improve circulation to the brain. Therefore, exercise is an important part of the treatment process.
Diet changes: Changes in diet can help control symptoms in some cases of Meniere's disease, secondary endolymphatic hydrops, and migraine-related dizziness.
Medication: The use of medication in the treatment of the disease depends on whether the vestibular dysfunction is in the early stage, acute (lasting up to 5 days), or chronic (continuous).
Surgery: Surgery is indicated when the above methods are not effective in controlling dizziness and other symptoms due to vestibular dysfunction.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is not a substitute for the advice of medical professionals. If you have vestibular disorders, please see a doctor for consultation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.