While these statements seem to indicate different problems, d i zziness or just imbalance are often caused by inner ear disorders, the most common of which are Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV), Vestibular Neuritis (VN) or Meniere’s disease (MD). These three have distinctive differences in the way they feel:

BpV - is characterized as being present in certain head positions such as bending down, lying back in bed, or getting up. The cause is tiny crystals that are in sensitive balance areas in the inner ear. The treatment is a head maneuver, the most common of which is called the Epley maneuver, which moves the crystals out of the sensitive area. Treatment is painless and typically provides immediate relief of symptoms.

Vn - is caused by a virus that attacks the inner ear, but usually without any cold, flu or ear symptoms. The first period of time is usually the worst, lasting hours and then the patient remains somewhat dizzy for weeks. Symptoms are made worse by sudden head movements. The treatment is to wean off of medications for dizziness, continue moving and doing certain exercises, without which, some patients never fully recover (compensate). Exercises may require a few months to be effective. Usually the problem does not return.

Md (Meniere’s disease)- is caused by a build-up of inner ear fluid that causes attacks of dizziness lasting hours or longer. The first episode is not usually the worst and the patient is completely free of symptoms between episodes. MD is the only common inner ear dizziness in which there often are ear symptoms, such as a plugged feeling, hearing loss or ringing. While classic MD has all of the above, many patients only have a few of the symptoms.

What can be done? – Dizziness caused by the inner ear is usually treatable. Consultation may be required by an ENT or a neurologist, but most cases do not require surgical intervention.

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