Vestibular Dysfunction / Disorder

What is it?

Ear fluid imbalance, also known as vestibular imbalance, refers to symptoms such as loss of balance or frequent dizziness caused by problems with the balance organ of the inner ear. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors. First, problems with the inner ear’s balance organ can be caused by factors such as age, head trauma, or chronic illness. Secondly, certain ear infections or diseases, such as otolithiasis, may also cause an imbalance of ear fluids. In addition, sudden changes in posture or prolonged exposure to high altitudes may also trigger this condition.

The inner ear balance system

The inner ear balance system is a key organ for maintaining balance in the human body. The vestibular organ is composed of semicircular canals and otoliths. The semicircular canals sense the rotational movement of the head, while the otoliths sense the linear movement of the head and gravity. These organs are closely coordinated with the balance center in the brain to maintain the body’s balance and posture.

Problems with the vestibular system, in which the semicircular canals sense changes in head posture and the sacular organs that sense linear acceleration of the head and changes in gravity, may cause an imbalance in the ear fluids. Otoliths are located in the utricle and saccule, are closely related to head movement, and are an important part of the sense of balance. Balance information is transmitted to the brain via the vestibular nerve and then processed by the balance control center. This center is located in the brainstem and cerebellum and is responsible for receiving and integrating balance information from the inner ear to help the body maintain balance. When there is a problem or damage to the inner ear balance system, symptoms of ear fluid imbalance such as dizziness, shaking sensation, blurred vision, and difficulty in coordination may occur. Therefore, the proper functioning of the inner ear balance system is crucial to the balance and health of the human body.

Maintaining inner ear balance & ear water balance

The inner ear balance system is the main component that maintains the balance of the human body. The vestibular organ is attached to the semicircular canals and otoliths. The semicircular canals are mainly responsible for sensing the rotational movement of the head, while the otoliths are responsible for sensing the linear movement of the head and the attraction of the earth’s center. These organs need to be closely coordinated with the balance center in the brain to help the body maintain balance and make various postural adjustments. Ear water imbalance is usually caused by problems with the vestibular system of the inner ear.

Causes of vestibular dysfunction / disorder

1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV):

This is a common cause of ear fluid imbalance, usually caused by otolith displacement in the inner ear. Otoliths in the inner ear are made of calcium crystals and help the body sense movement and position changes of the head. However, in the case of BPPV, when the otoliths become displaced and float to other parts of the inner ear, if the head position suddenly changes, the otoliths can stimulate the sensory organs in the inner ear and send wrong balance signals to the brain, causing temporary symptoms of dizziness and ear fluid imbalance. This vertigo symptom usually occurs when the head is moved from one specific position to another.

2. Vestibular Neuritis:

This is another possible cause of ear fluid imbalance, which is usually caused by damage to the vestibular nerve caused by a viral infection or other inflammation. The vestibular nerve is responsible for transmitting balance information in the inner ear to the brain. When these nerves are damaged or infected, normal balance information cannot be transmitted, leading to symptoms of ear fluid imbalance such as dizziness and a sense of imbalance.

3. Vestibular infarction:

Vestibular infarction is usually due to insufficient blood supply or vascular obstruction. Blood is the main source of oxygen and nutrients for the tissues of the inner ear. When the blood supply to the inner ear is blocked, the balance organ may be damaged, causing symptoms of ear fluid imbalance such as dizziness.

4. Otolithiasis:

It may occur suddenly and may be exacerbated by certain head positions. Otoliths are calcium salt crystals found in the utricle and saccule of the balancing organ of the inner ear. These otoliths are used to help sense changes in head position and maintain body balance. When there is a problem with the otoliths, the function of the inner ear will be disturbed, leading to symptoms of ear fluid imbalance such as shaking eyes.

5. Meniere's syndrome:

This is a chronic disease that affects the inner ear and is one of the common causes of ear fluid imbalance. Symptoms of this imbalance include sudden rotational vertigo, auditory loss, tinnitus, and ear pressure.

Checking for ear fluid imbalance

This is a widely used auditory test to evaluate people's sensitivity to different sound rates. In PTA, subjects put on headphones and measure the softest sounds they can hear. PTA can assess a person's auditory health and measure any potential auditory loss.

This is a test used to evaluate the response of the central nervous system to auditory stimulation. It is used to measure the function of the auditory conduction pathway from the ear to the brainstem of the brain.

This test mainly evaluates the ear balance function by testing the response of the semicircular canals to hot and cold stimuli.

This is mainly used to evaluate the vestibular system. adrenergic and muscular responses. The results can be used to analyze the function and response of the vestibular system, and further diagnose potential causes of ear water imbalance.

This can assist in investigating potential causes of ear fluid imbalance to determine treatment for ear fluid imbalance. By evaluating the function of the auditory system, the results of the auditory nerve's response to sound stimulation can be obtained. This evaluates the sensitivity of the auditory system.

Clinically used to diagnose the potential causes of ear fluid imbalance to develop personalized ear fluid imbalance treatment, including nystagmus test, head movement test and balance board test, etc.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) can help rule out the cause, thereby identifying the cause of ear fluid imbalance and designing treatment for the condition.

Possible treatment for vestibular dysfunction / disorder

While the exact treatment used is determined by the severity and on a case-by-case basis, below are a few possible treatment options for vestibular dysfunction or disorders.

Medication:

Through drug treatment, the symptoms of ear fluid imbalance may be relieved to some extent. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, appropriate medications such as anti-fainting and anti-nausea medications may help relieve the symptoms of ear fluid imbalance.

Physical Therapy:

Some symptoms of ear fluid imbalance, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), can be relieved by physical therapy. Through balance and coordination exercises, such as eye movement and head rotation, balance function can be improved, and symptoms of ear water imbalance such as dizziness can also be relieved.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

Adjusting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important to relieve the symptoms of ear fluid imbalance. Good eating habits, daily diet should be as light as possible, avoid eating irritating foods, and reduce sodium absorption, which can reduce the imbalance of ear fluid caused by excessive accumulation of lymph fluid in the inner ear due to excessive salt in the body. In addition, reducing the intake of alcohol, caffeine and smoking can effectively maintain inner ear health.

Maintain a Good Posture:

This can help alleviate symptoms of ear fluid imbalance, including avoiding sudden changes in head position or rapid turns. In addition, maintaining good posture in daily life and reducing the burden and tension on the neck can also help.