Break the Cycle of Infection
Specialized treatment for ear infections that keep returning or resist standard care.
The Inner Ear and Balance
Dizziness is a common medical complaint, and the inner ear is a frequent source. The vestibular system, the balance organs of the inner ear, sends signals to the brain about head position and movement. When these signals are disrupted, you may experience vertigo, a spinning sensation, unsteadiness, or a general feeling of imbalance.
Inner Ear Conditions Behind Dizziness
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when calcium crystals, called otoconia, become displaced within the inner ear canals, causing brief but intense spinning with certain head movements. It is highly treatable with repositioning maneuvers.
Ménière's Disease causes episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. It is caused by abnormal fluid pressure in the inner ear, known as endolymphatic hydrops.
Vestibular Neuritis / Labyrinthitis is typically caused by a viral infection affecting the vestibular nerve or inner ear, resulting in sudden, severe vertigo that gradually improves over days to weeks.
Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence occurs when a thin area or opening in the bone over the superior semicircular canal causes abnormal dizziness triggered by sound or pressure.
How I Evaluate Dizziness
Evaluation includes a detailed history, physical examination with vestibular testing, and audiometry. Additional testing, such as videonystagmography (VNG), vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), or imaging, may be recommended depending on the clinical picture.
Treatment for Vestibular Conditions
The appropriate treatment is determined by the underlying condition. Repositioning maneuvers are effective for BPPV. Management of Ménière's disease may include dietary changes, medication, or procedural and surgical treatment when symptoms remain refractory. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy may help patients with chronic vestibular dysfunction.