Condition Lookup

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Specialty: Ear

Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Sub-category: Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

Symptoms:
brief episodes of dizziness; spinning sensation (vertigo); nausea; loss of balance; lightheadedness; symptoms triggered by head movements

Root Cause:
Displacement of calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) from the utricle into the semicircular canals, causing abnormal signaling to the brain during head movements.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Dix-Hallpike maneuver or supine roll test; observation of nystagmus during diagnostic maneuvers.

Treatment:
Canalith repositioning maneuvers (e.g., Epley or Semont maneuver), vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

Medications:
Medications are rarely used but may include vestibular suppressants like meclizine (an antihistamine) or diazepam (a benzodiazepine) to alleviate acute vertigo symptoms temporarily.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 0.5-2% of the population, more common in older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, head trauma, prolonged bed rest, inner ear disorders, osteoporosis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally excellent; symptoms often resolve with repositioning maneuvers, though recurrence is common.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of falls, anxiety related to vertigo episodes, potential for chronic dizziness in rare cases.

Meniere’s Disease

Specialty: Ear

Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Sub-category: Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

Symptoms:
episodic vertigo; hearing loss (fluctuating); tinnitus (ringing in the ear); fullness or pressure in the affected ear; nausea and vomiting during episodes

Root Cause:
Abnormal fluid accumulation (endolymphatic hydrops) in the inner ear disrupts normal sensory signaling.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, audiometry (hearing tests), vestibular function tests, MRI to exclude other conditions.

Treatment:
Low-sodium diet, diuretics, vestibular suppressants during attacks, intratympanic steroid injections, or surgical options like endolymphatic sac decompression.

Medications:
Meclizine or diazepam to manage acute vertigo; betahistine (a histamine analog) to improve blood flow and reduce attacks; diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide to manage fluid retention.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 0.2-0.5% of the population, typically begins between ages 20 and 50.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, autoimmune disorders, migraines, stress.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition; symptoms can be managed, but hearing loss may become permanent over time.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive hearing loss, chronic imbalance, emotional distress or anxiety.

Vestibular Neuritis

Specialty: Ear

Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Sub-category: Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

Symptoms:
sudden onset of severe vertigo; nausea and vomiting; imbalance; oscillopsia (visual disturbance); no hearing loss or tinnitus

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often due to a viral infection, leading to disrupted vestibular signaling.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination (e.g., head thrust test), absence of auditory symptoms, ruling out other causes like stroke.

Treatment:
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, short-term use of vestibular suppressants, corticosteroids in some cases.

Medications:
Prednisone (a corticosteroid) for inflammation; meclizine or lorazepam for symptom relief; prochlorperazine for nausea.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to account for 7% of patients presenting with vertigo.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent upper respiratory tract infections, immune system compromise.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good; most recover within weeks to months, though some may have residual imbalance.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent dizziness, anxiety, risk of falls.

Labyrinthitis

Specialty: Ear

Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Sub-category: Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

Symptoms:
vertigo; hearing loss; tinnitus; nausea; imbalance; difficulty focusing visually

Root Cause:
Inflammation of both the vestibular and cochlear components of the inner ear, often from viral or bacterial infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Audiometry, vestibular tests, clinical evaluation to rule out central causes like stroke.

Treatment:
Rest, vestibular rehabilitation, corticosteroids, antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected.

Medications:
Prednisone for inflammation; amoxicillin or ceftriaxone for bacterial infections; meclizine or diazepam for acute symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Incidence is unclear; commonly occurs after viral infections.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Upper respiratory infections, middle ear infections, weakened immune system.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often resolves completely, though hearing loss may be permanent in some cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic dizziness, permanent hearing loss, anxiety.

Perilymph Fistula

Specialty: Ear

Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Sub-category: Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

Symptoms:
vertigo; imbalance; hearing loss; tinnitus; pressure changes exacerbating symptoms; nausea

Root Cause:
Abnormal communication between the middle ear and inner ear, causing leakage of perilymph fluid.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, vestibular testing, confirmation via exploratory surgery.

Treatment:
Rest, avoiding activities that increase intracranial pressure, surgical repair if conservative measures fail.

Medications:
None specific; symptomatic relief with meclizine or ondansetron for nausea.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; associated with head trauma or barotrauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Head injury, barotrauma, vigorous straining or heavy lifting.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with surgical intervention; untreated cases may lead to persistent symptoms.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive hearing loss, chronic dizziness.

Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD)

Specialty: Ear

Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Sub-category: Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

Symptoms:
vertigo triggered by loud sounds (tullio phenomenon); imbalance; autophony (hearing one’s own voice loudly); hearing loss; pressure-induced vertigo

Root Cause:
Thinning or absence of bone over the superior semicircular canal, causing abnormal sound and pressure transmission.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
CT scan of the temporal bone, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) testing.

Treatment:
Avoiding triggers, surgical repair (canal plugging or resurfacing) for severe cases.

Medications:
No specific medications; symptomatic management with meclizine or diazepam for acute episodes.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 0.5-2% of the population, though many are asymptomatic.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congenital thinning of bone, head trauma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with surgical intervention; symptoms generally resolve or significantly improve.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic dizziness, impaired balance, difficulty performing daily activities.

Vestibular Migraine

Specialty: Ear

Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Sub-category: Central Vestibular Disorders

Symptoms:
dizziness; vertigo; imbalance; motion sensitivity; nausea; light/sound sensitivity; headaches associated with episodes

Root Cause:
A neurological condition involving abnormal sensory signal processing in the brain, potentially linked to migraine pathophysiology.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical criteria, patient history, and exclusion of other conditions; imaging (e.g., MRI) may be used to rule out structural causes.

Treatment:
Lifestyle changes, avoidance of triggers, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, and pharmacological management of migraine.

Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ), calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil ), anticonvulsants (e.g., topiramate ), or triptans for acute attacks. Medications belong to prophylactic migraine treatments, acute migraine treatments, and vestibular suppressants.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect approximately 1% of the population; more common in women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Personal or family history of migraines, stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods or sensory triggers.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally manageable with treatment, though some individuals may experience recurrent or chronic symptoms.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Impaired quality of life, risk of falls due to imbalance, anxiety, and depression.

Brainstem or Cerebellar Lesions (e.g., Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis)

Specialty: Ear

Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Sub-category: Central Vestibular Disorders

Symptoms:
dizziness; vertigo; ataxia (lack of coordination); imbalance; visual disturbances; nausea; difficulty speaking; facial numbness or weakness

Root Cause:
Damage to the brainstem or cerebellum due to ischemia (stroke), demyelination (multiple sclerosis), or other neurological conditions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, imaging studies (MRI/CT scans), and neurological exams; additional tests like lumbar puncture for MS.

Treatment:
Depends on the cause

Medications:
For strokes

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Stroke prevalence varies widely, with millions affected annually worldwide; MS affects approximately 2.8 million globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
For strokes

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Stroke prognosis varies based on severity and timing of intervention; MS is chronic and progressive but can be managed with treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term disability, chronic dizziness, visual disturbances, cognitive deficits, and emotional challenges like depression.

Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS)

Specialty: Ear

Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Sub-category: Motion Sensitivity Disorders

Symptoms:
persistent sensation of rocking, swaying, or bobbing (often described as feeling ‘like being on a boat’); fatigue; difficulty concentrating (‘brain fog’); headache; dizziness; anxiety or depression (as a result of the chronic symptoms)

Root Cause:
MdDS is believed to occur due to the brain's inability to readjust its perception of movement and balance after prolonged exposure to passive motion, such as on a boat, airplane, or train. The exact neurological mechanism is not well understood.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically by a sensation of rocking after travel.

Treatment:
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, motion desensitization techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and in some cases, medications.

Medications:
Medications may help alleviate symptoms. Commonly prescribed drugs include benzodiazepines or antidepressants to manage symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Exact prevalence is unknown but considered rare. More common among middle-aged women and individuals after prolonged motion exposure.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender (particularly middle-aged women). Prolonged exposure to passive motion (e.g., cruises, long flights, car rides). History of motion sensitivity or migraines.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms often resolve within weeks to months but can persist for years in some cases. Prognosis is variable and depends on individual response to treatments.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic fatigue and impaired quality of life. Anxiety and depression due to persistent symptoms. Potential difficulties with employment or daily functioning.

Disequilibrium of Aging

Specialty: Ear

Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Sub-category: Other Vestibular Disorders

Symptoms:
unsteadiness when walking; difficulty balancing; frequent falls; dizziness without vertigo; fear of falling

Root Cause:
Decline in sensory input (vision, proprioception, vestibular function) and slower central nervous system processing associated with aging.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment including patient history, balance testing, neurological examination, and vestibular function tests.

Treatment:
Balance training through physical therapy, assistive devices like canes or walkers, home safety modifications, and management of underlying health conditions.

Medications:
There are no specific medications for Disequilibrium of Aging, but managing contributing conditions like hypertension, neuropathy, or visual impairment may involve antihypertensives, neuroprotective agents, or corrective lenses.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in older adults, affecting up to 20% of individuals over the age of 65.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, sensory deficits (e.g., vision or hearing loss), neurological conditions (e.g., stroke or Parkinson's disease), and deconditioning due to inactivity.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms can improve with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, though some degree of unsteadiness may persist.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of falls, fractures, fear of falling, and reduced independence.

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

Specialty: Ear

Category: Balance and Vestibular Disorders

Sub-category: Other Vestibular Disorders

Symptoms:
persistent dizziness or unsteadiness; sensation of swaying or rocking; symptoms worsened by upright posture, motion, or visual stimuli

Root Cause:
Maladaptive changes in central nervous system processing after an acute vestibular event, leading to heightened sensitivity to motion and visual stimuli.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical history, exclusion of other vestibular or neurological conditions, and symptom patterns lasting at least three months.

Treatment:
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and patient education.

Medications:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may be prescribed to reduce symptoms of anxiety and dizziness.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1-2% of the general population, with higher prevalence in those with a history of vestibular disorders.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of vestibular events (e.g., vestibular neuritis, BPPV), anxiety, migraine, and high visual dependency.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms can improve with treatment, though some individuals may experience prolonged or recurring symptoms.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Reduced quality of life, anxiety, depression, and difficulty performing daily activities.