Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
(BPPV)

A condition where crystals become dislodged from the wall of the inner ear find their way into one of the semicircular canals & become trapped. The crystals are disturbed whenever the head is moved into specific positions, resulting in sudden vertigo, imbalance of short duration (usually no more than 30 seconds) & sometimes accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Lying down flat or rolling over is often the worst for symptoms. If untreated the crystals can move out of the canal resulting in a resolution of symptoms, however, this can take days, weeks or months, & in some cases years.

Disequilibrium

 Being off balance, unsteady or not having equilibrium.

Labyrinth

 The part of the inner ear that contains the balance organs.

Labyrinthitis

 A virus affecting the labyrinth which usually causes vertigo, imbalance, nausea & vomiting for a day or days. This is often followed by a weakness or reduced function in the inner ear that results in a period of varying symptoms including dizziness, imbalance, motion sensitivity, or nausea. These symptoms can persist over an extended period & impact on quality of life & ability to work. Because the labyrinth is in close proximity to the cochlea, the virus usually also affects the hearing and can also cause tinnitus.

Mal de Debarquement Syndrome

 Ongoing illusion of movement lasting weeks to years after travel by boat, plane or train. Symptoms include feelings of rocking, floating or swaying sometimes accompanied by imbalance & nausea. Symptoms are often more noticeable when still or after quick movements, and improve with constant steady movement. Most individuals with this diagnosis are women between the ages of 40 and 50 and they develop symptoms after disembarking which may persist for months or even years.

Meniere's Disease

 Recurrent episodes of severe vertigo, imbalance, nausea & vomiting, fluctuating hearing loss & tinnitus usually lasting hours to a day, due to unexplained increases in volume of the endolymph (fluid in inner ear). As the disease progresses it can move into a "burnt out" phase where episodes are less frequent or severe. At this stage there can be permanent balance and dizziness problems from damage to the labyrinth.

Motion Sensitivity

 Various symptoms including dizziness, imbalance, nausea or blurred vision as a result of positions changes, repetitive movements or activities.

Ocular Dizziness

 Sometimes referred to as visual vertigo, but it is not true vertigo. Symptoms can be triggered by activity or motion in the visual field, eg. working on a computer, watching TV, at the movies, in crowds or traffic. Sometimes reading, or movement of water in a sink or the ocean can trigger symptoms. Symptoms can include dizziness, imbalance, nausea, blurred vision & sometimes headaches.

Vertigo

 The sensation of spinning or the world moving violently. Usually accompanied by involuntary eye movements (called nystagmus) that are visible to an observer

Vestibular Neuritis / Neuronitis

 A virus affecting the Vestibular (balance) nerve. Can result in lasting symptoms described under labyrinthitis. It does not usually involve hearing or result in tinnitus

Tinnitus

 Noises such as ringing or other sounds in the ear(s) without the actual sound being present.