Session 2 pre reading balance problems Flashcards
what is the vestibular system?
the part of the inner ear responsible for balance
what are vestibular lesions?
damage or dysfunction to the vestibular system
how can we tell the are vestibular lesions?
they disrupt the normal balance functions leading to symptoms like: vertigo, dizziness and imbalance
what are the 5 vestibular lesions?
1- BBPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)
2- Labyrinthitis/ Vestibular Neuritis
3- Meniere’s Disease:
4- Perilymph Fistula
5- SSCD (Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence)
what is BPPV caused by?
Caused by displaced otoconia (small crystals in the inner ear) affecting the semicircular canals, leading to vertigo triggered by head movements.
what is labyrinthitis?
Inflammation of the entire labyrinth (inner ear), which can affect both balance and hearing.
what is Vestibular Neuritis?
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, primarily affecting balance without impacting hearing.
what is Meniere’s disease?
A disorder involving excess fluid in the inner ear (endolymphatic hydrops) leading to episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.
What is Perilymph Fistula?
A tear or defect in the bony structure of the inner ear or in the round or oval windows, allowing perilymph (inner ear fluid) to leak into the middle ear, causing dizziness and hearing changes.
what is SSCD?
An opening in the bone that covers one of the semicircular canals, leading to abnormal fluid movement and causing vertigo, hearing issues, and heightened sensitivity to internal sounds.
what does BPPV stand for?
Benign- its not life threatening
Paroxysmal- it comes on suddenly and in brief spells
Positional- triggered by certain head
movements and positions
Vertigo- a false sense of rotational movement
what is a common cause of dizziness?
BPPV
what percentage of all dizziness is attributed to BPPV?
20%
how common is BPPV among older adults?
about 50% of all dizziness is attributed to BPPV
what is the mechanism that causes BPPV?
1- otoconia from the utricle become detached form their gel membrane and move through the endolymph
2- most commonly settling in the PSCC or more rarely in the anterior or horizontal semicircular canals
3-the detached otoconia shift when the head moves
4-this stimulates the cupula to send false signals to the brain which creates a sensation of vertigo