Vestibular disorders are amongst the most difficult to diagnose medical conditions. It’s estimated that about 35% of adults over 40 have some form of a vestibular disorder, but because the symptoms can vary so widely between individuals, many may not realize that they have one, suggesting much higher rates of incidence. The symptoms of such disorders can have dramatic, debilitating effects on patients. What makes them particularly difficult to diagnose is that patients often appear healthy, but issues with balance and motor skills can make others think that they are either intoxicated or lazy. In order to properly accommodate individuals living with vestibular disorders, it’s important to understand what symptoms they live with and how they can have an impact on a patient’s life.

Space And Balance

The vestibular system is small yet complex. Largely comprised of three bones in the inner ear, it’s what gives people balance and spatial recognition. When these sensory organs malfunction, it can be difficult for a person to perceive movement, leading to feelings of vertigo and uncertainty of their body’s position. These disorders can sometimes lead to out of body experiences, as there is a disconnect between the patient’s physical location and their brain’s perception of space.  Vestibular issues can also cause problems with posture, eye control and hand-eye coordination, making simple tasks difficult. These side effects make patients appear intoxicated, leading to complicated social interactions with those who are unaware of their condition. Fortunately, there is an array of treatment options available, including medication, physical therapy and surgical procedures.

Tinnitus And Hearing Disorders

Nearly everyone has experienced the temporary effects of one of the most common forms of vestibular disorder: tinnitus. Anyone who has ever been to a loud concert knows the feeling of muffled ears and ringing that can continue for hours after exposure to high decibel levels.  Tinnitus is characterised by a persistent ringing and fuzzy feeling in the ears, which can be symptomatic of permanent hearing damage. To prevent the development of tinnitus, take care to wear hearing protection when being exposed to loud noises, such as gunshots, fireworks or concerts. 

Migraines And Vertigo

Vestibular migraines are perhaps the most debilitating form of inner ear disorders. Characterised by feelings of nausea, extreme light and sound sensitivity, and intense unilateral head pain, migraines can make otherwise healthy people bedridden when an attack strikes.  Particularly intense episodes can result in vomiting, vertigo and a complete inability to function. Those suffering from chronic migraines can sometimes determine triggers, which can include different foods and alcohol. For some, however, triggers can be completely outside of their control, including fluctuations in barometric pressure or hormonal changes. For chronic migraine patients, a visit to the neurologist is often in order to determine an effective treatment plan, as over the counter medications can prove ineffective. 

Understanding vestibular disorders is vital for those who are trying to cope with what are often invisible illnesses. By learning how to recognize symptoms, people who develop such disorders will be able to receive treatment more quickly, giving them a better quality of life. With enough awareness, those with vestibular disorders will not have to suffer in silence.