You may or may not have heard of a vestibular disorder. A chronic balance disorder, vestibular dysfunction affects both the patient and their family on a physical, emotional, and mental level. Balance in life is important, and this is true across all areas of your life. Whether it’s a “work-life” balance, or just your own ability to balance on your own two feet, balance is an important aspect of life. Many take this aspect of their body for granted and don’t truly realize how important the vestibular system is.
If you want to learn more about this misunderstood and complex disorder, check out these top vestibular disorders facts.
- Vestibular disorders are more common than you think. It is estimated that over 35% of American adults over the age of 40 have had a vestibular disorder at some point in their lives.
- Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vertigo, vestibular migraines, and labyrinthitis are some of the most common vestibular disorders.
- The common symptoms of vestibular disorders often include balance issues, tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness, hearing loss, vision that “jumps,” nausea, fatigue, poor concentration, problems with memory, depression, and anxiety.
- Want to know what’s included in the vestibular system? It includes your eyes, the inner ear and parts of the brain that process sensory information and affects your balance.
- Vestibular disorders can occur from aging, disease, chemicals, drugs, autoimmune conditions, as well as from traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, the disorder can occur from unexplained causes.
- Vestibular disorders can be life-altering, but there is hope for partial recovery. Even though there is no cure, with vestibular exercises and therapy the disorder can be managed and symptoms can improve with vestibular exercises.
- It is important to find a physician who is well-versed in vestibular disorders. It’s very common for those who suffer from this disorder to be misdiagnosed and don’t receive an accurate diagnosis at first. Some may have to see multiple physicians before they are correctly diagnosed.