Inner Ear Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Q: Inner Ear Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Hello： In response to your question, it may be benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), also known as canalithiasis. <br>Further diagnosis in an outpatient setting is necessary.

Inner ear imbalance

Hello Dr.
Hsu, on May 20th, I went to Green Island for some water activities and accidentally fell, hitting the right side of my head and body hard against the ground.
When I got up, I felt very dizzy for about half an hour.
I didn't think much of it at the time, but after returning to Taipei, I experienced intermittent dizziness.
I consulted a neurologist who said it was a minor concussion and prescribed medication for two weeks, suggesting that if I felt better, everything would be fine.
I took the medication and thought I was okay, but in mid-June, I still experienced dizziness along with increased fatigue and a constant desire to sleep.
I initially thought it was anemia and didn't pay much attention to it.
Later, a friend advised me to see an ENT specialist.
A few days ago, I underwent various tests, and the doctor said I have inner ear imbalance, which is causing the persistent dizziness due to the impact on my brain.
He also prescribed medication for me.

I would like to ask if this condition (inner ear imbalance) can be improved with medication to alleviate the dizziness? Additionally, is inner ear imbalance the reason why I easily get motion sickness when traveling by car or boat? I know that I often feel dizzy when engaging in spinning or shaking activities, is this all due to the inner ear imbalance? Now, I frequently feel dizzy and am increasingly afraid to ride my bike.
Thank you, Dr.
Hsu.
I appreciate your help.

Tian Qing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/29

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your question, it may be benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), also known as canalithiasis.
Further diagnosis in an outpatient setting is necessary.

Reply Date: 2005/06/29

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns about your inner ear imbalance and the associated symptoms. It sounds like you've been through quite a journey since your fall in May, and I understand how distressing ongoing dizziness and fatigue can be.

From what you've described, it seems that your symptoms may be related to a condition known as vestibular dysfunction, which can occur after a head injury. The inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, and any trauma to the head can disrupt its function. This disruption can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, and even fatigue, as your body struggles to adapt to the changes in your vestibular system.

The fact that you experienced dizziness for an extended period after your fall suggests that your inner ear may still be recovering from the impact. In cases of mild traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, it’s not uncommon for individuals to experience lingering symptoms, including dizziness and fatigue. The inner ear, particularly the vestibular apparatus, can be sensitive to changes in head position and movement, which may explain why you feel dizzy when riding in vehicles or engaging in activities that involve spinning or rapid motion.

Regarding your treatment, medications prescribed by your doctor can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with vestibular dysfunction. These may include vestibular suppressants, which can reduce the sensation of dizziness, or anti-nausea medications if you experience motion sickness. However, it's important to note that while medications can provide symptomatic relief, they do not address the underlying imbalance.
In addition to medication, vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is often recommended for individuals with inner ear imbalances. This type of therapy involves specific exercises designed to help your brain adapt to the changes in your vestibular system and improve your balance. A physical therapist specializing in vestibular rehabilitation can guide you through exercises that may help reduce your dizziness and improve your overall stability.

As for your question about whether inner ear imbalance can cause motion sickness, the answer is yes. When the vestibular system is not functioning properly, it can lead to increased sensitivity to motion, resulting in symptoms like dizziness and nausea when in a moving vehicle or on a boat. This is often referred to as motion sickness, and it can be exacerbated by activities that involve rapid changes in position or movement.

It's essential to follow up with your healthcare provider regarding your ongoing symptoms. If your dizziness persists despite medication and initial treatment, further evaluation may be necessary. This could include additional imaging studies or referrals to specialists in vestibular disorders.
In summary, while medications can help manage your symptoms, addressing inner ear imbalance often requires a multifaceted approach, including rehabilitation exercises. I encourage you to discuss these options with your healthcare provider to find the best plan for your recovery. Remember, it's crucial to listen to your body and take care of yourself during this healing process. I wish you all the best in your recovery journey!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Middle Ear Imbalance: Causes and Symptoms Explained

What is middle ear imbalance? What causes middle ear imbalance?

Dr. Hu Kexin reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The term "middle ear imbalance" generally refers to the imbalance of pressure within the middle ear cavity. This is mostly caused by Eustachian tube obstruction or dysfunction, leading to symptoms such as hearing impairment and a sensation of fullness in the ear....

Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Dr. Hsu: I apologize for bothering you again. I’m not sure if it’s due to stress, but my physical condition has been fluctuating. After experiencing menstrual cramps, I immediately felt dizzy. A few days ago, I visited an internist and reported symptoms including dizziness, heada...

Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Dear worried girl Linda, whether it's a hospital or a clinic, I recommend that you find a regular family medicine physician for consultation. You have been constantly concerned about the issue of medication overdose, but merely worrying is not helpful. Why not make some chan...

Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance: Effects on Speech and Mobility

Hello! I would like to ask if a person with "inner ear imbalance" could experience unclear speech, cognitive difficulties, instability while standing, and motor impairments (such as difficulty climbing stairs and even walking short distances). Thank you!

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello, Ms. Huang: 1. Any disease that can affect the vestibular system may cause symptoms of dizziness and imbalance, which can be categorized into peripheral and central types: (1) Peripheral vestibular disorders refer to damage to the peripheral nerve cells. (1a) Dizzi...

Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance: Causes and Connection to Meniere's Disease

Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness and tinnitus. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with inner ear imbalance. What could be the causes of this condition? I also did some research online and have a question: is inner ear imbalance the sa...

Dr. Jian Huangqi reply Otolaryngology
There are many causes of dizziness and tinnitus, so you should consult a specialist. Inner ear imbalance does not necessarily mean Meniere's disease. Thank you!