Balance Disorders

Balance disorders can result from issues within the inner ear or central nervous system and may cause symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, or unsteadiness. MOSA can conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine the underlying cause of balance problems, which may include conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or labyrinthitis. Treatment approaches vary depending on the specific diagnosis but may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications, or minimally invasive procedures to restore balance function.

Dizziness is a sensation of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or spinning, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or loss of balance. When evaluated by a MOSA specialist, treatment for dizziness typically involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause. This may include conditions affecting the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or labyrinthitis. Treatment approaches may include vestibular rehabilitation exercises to improve balance and reduce symptoms, medications to manage symptoms such as vertigo or nausea, or surgical interventions in cases of severe or refractory dizziness. Additionally, lifestyle modifications and dietary changes may be recommended to minimize triggers and promote overall vestibular health.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder characterized by brief episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position. When diagnosed by a MOSA specialist, treatment for BPPV typically involves a series of maneuvers known as canalith repositioning procedures, such as the Epley maneuver or the Semont maneuver. These maneuvers aim to reposition displaced calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) within the inner ear’s semicircular canals, alleviating symptoms of vertigo. MOSA may also provide instructions for home exercises to facilitate the resolution of symptoms and minimize the recurrence of BPPV episodes.

Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a sensation of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. When managed by a MOSA specialist, treatment for Meniere’s disease aims to alleviate symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. This may involve dietary modifications to reduce salt intake and limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, as well as medications such as diuretics to reduce fluid retention and vestibular suppressants to alleviate vertigo symptoms. In some cases, MOSA may recommend vestibular rehabilitation therapy to improve balance and reduce the impact of vertigo attacks. For refractory cases, surgical interventions such as endolymphatic sac decompression or vestibular nerve section may be considered to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Vestibular neuritis is an inner ear disorder characterized by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, leading to sudden and severe vertigo, imbalance, nausea, and vomiting. When managed by a MOSA specialist, treatment for vestibular neuritis typically focuses on symptom management and vestibular rehabilitation. This may involve medications such as vestibular suppressants to alleviate vertigo and antiemetics to control nausea and vomiting during acute episodes. Additionally, MOSA may recommend vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which consists of specific exercises and maneuvers aimed at promoting central nervous system compensation and improving balance function over time. While the acute symptoms of vestibular neuritis often resolve spontaneously within a few weeks, vestibular rehabilitation therapy can help accelerate recovery and minimize long-term balance deficits.

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear disorder characterized by inflammation of the labyrinth, the complex structure responsible for balance and spatial orientation. When managed by a MOSA specialist, treatment for labyrinthitis typically involves a combination of medications and vestibular rehabilitation therapy. MOSA may prescribe medications such as vestibular suppressants or corticosteroids to alleviate symptoms such as vertigo, nausea, and vomiting during acute episodes. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy consists of specific exercises and maneuvers aimed at promoting central nervous system compensation and improving balance function over time. While the acute symptoms of labyrinthitis often resolve spontaneously within a few weeks, vestibular rehabilitation therapy can help accelerate recovery and minimize long-term balance deficits.

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