5. Vestibular disorders. Examination of the Vestibular System. Meniere's Disease, Labyrinthitis. Vestibular Neuritis.

Vestibular disorders. Examination of the Vestibular System. Meniere's Disease, Labyrinthitis. Vestibular Neuritis

The vestibular system within the inner ear → consists of the vestibular apparatus (peripheral vestibular system) and vestibular nuclei (central vestibular system).

Vestibular apparatus contains:

• 3x semicircular canals → detects rotational movements of the head. Filled endolymph.
• Otolithic organs: Utricle & Saccule → sensing linear acceleration & head position (gravity/vertical movement)

Function:

1. Maintaining balance
2. Spatial orientation,
3. Coordinating eye movements.

Vestibular Disorder:

Temporary or Permanent damage to the vestibular system→ dysfunction.

This damage can be caused by:

1. Excess fluid in inner ear
2. The displacement of inner ear crystals
3. Malformation of the inner ear structure
4. Disease or infection; toxic chemicals
5. An immunological response
6. Membrane tear or a tumorous growth

Further can be classified as:

Peripheral Vestibular Disorders: More common

1. Ménière's Disease
2. Labyrinthitis
3. Vestibular Neuritis
4. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
5. Acute Unilateral Vestibular Loss aka sudden sensorineural hearing loss
6. Bilateral Vestibular Loss

Central Vestibular Disorders:

1. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)- Inflammation
2. Stroke
3. Viral encephalitis: Infection
4. Tumors
5. Metabolic disorders
6. Trauma