Maybe it’s not Ménière’s

Some common vestibular disorders can present symptoms that similar to Meniere’s disease. You’ll need an otologist or neurotologist to obtain an accurate diagnosis for the problem. Generally, the most common vestibular disorders of the inner ear include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV, occurs when otoconia, crystals of calcium carbonate (also known as “canaliths” or “ear rocks”), become dislodged and float freely in the inner ear and into the semicircular canals where they don’t belong. Changes in head position that result in sudden vertigo is a typical sign that one’s “rocks are out of whack.” The condition is not serious and usually resolves within a few days. However, the Epley maneuver, developed by Dr. John Epley in 1979, is a procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office or at home to help alleviate dizziness.

Key symptoms: short episodes of dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, nausea; possibly vomiting.

Vestibular neuritis

The vestibulocochlear nerve of the inner ear is comprised of two nerves–the vestibular branch (responsible for balance) and the cochlear branch (responsible for hearing.) When the vestibular branch becomes inflamed, signals to the brain get confused, leading to dizziness and balance problems. Viral infections are thought to be the main cause, which is why antiviral medications are a common course of treatment. The disorder affects around 4 out of every 100,000 Americans and can occur in people of all ages, though it’s less common in children. Symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks.

Key symptoms: dizziness, vertigo, and other balance-related symptoms; difficulty concentrating.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is similar to vestibular neuritis; however, this disorder occurs when both branches of the vestibulocochlear nerve within the labyrinth become inflamed, thereby affecting both balance and hearing. The condition usually isn’t dangerous, but it can cause debilitating symptoms like vertigo. Causes can be either viral (e.g., measles, mumps, shingles) or bacterial (e.g., toxins from ear infections, bacterial meningitis) and, left untreated, can lead to permanent hearing loss and/or balance issues. It can affect anyone; however, adults ages 30 to 60 are most likely to get it. Females are twice as likely than males to develop the condition.

Key symptoms: dizziness, vertigo, and balance-related symptoms; also, tinnitus and hearing loss.

There are many other less common vestibular conditions. An extensive list can be found at the Vestibular Disorder Association (VeDA).

For a comprehensive guide to the peripheral vestibular system, read this article at VeDA.