Symptoms of vestibular disorders
The human body is more complicated than most of us ever even realize, until something goes wrong. To go about your day like you usually do, your body needs to be balanced in all ways and this is dependent upon the health of the inner ear, the eyes, and the muscles and joints. It is these parts of the body that have to transmit information to the brain about the body’s movement as well as the space you are in. If the inner ear or parts of the balance system are damaged or not working properly the result may be some sort of vestibular disorder.
There is not just one part type of vestibular disorder. In fact, they can range from very mild to very severe. The symptoms are often very mild and easy to blame on other things or they can be very scary. A lot of people who have a vestibular disorder have behavior that presents as lazy, anxious, or attention seeking. Patients with such a disorder may have a difficult time at work or school, reading, math, or even performing minimal daily tasks. The problem is that the symptoms of a vestibular disorder are often very non-specific and so patients simply try to function despite the symptoms that can be debilitating. There are many different symptoms of a vestibular disorder. Not all symptoms will be experienced by every individual.
Vertigo and dizziness are often reported by those who are suffering from a vestibular disorder. Many patients note a spinning sensation in which they may either feel they are spinning or the world is spinning around them. Others report feeling light headed, that they are floating, or even rocking. The sensation of being weighted or pulled in one direction is also very common.
Individuals with vestibular disorder may also suffer from imbalance, stumbling, or difficulty walking straight or turning corners while walking. There may be a general clumsiness, and it may be difficult for patients to maintain good posture. It is not uncommon for those with vestibular disorders to have their head in a tilted position at all times, and they may have a tendency to hold onto something when they are standing. Sensitivities to changes in walking surfaces are common, as are muscle and joint pain.
Vision problems are very common in those who have a vestibular disorder. In some instances the patient may have a difficult time focusing or tracking objects with their eyes. When reading, words may jump float, blur, or even bounce on the page. Busy environments may be difficult visually including situations where there is a lot of traffic or crowds, such as those in a mall or grocery store. There is also often sensitivity to light, glares, and flickering light. Many patients have a tendency to have poor depth perception and will usually focus on objects that are closest to them.
Hearing is also affected in vestibular disorders. There may be hearing loss or fluctuations. Ringing of the ears is also common, and loud noises may cause symptoms of vertigo or dizziness. There is often a high sensitivity to loud environments, and there may also be a ringing, buzzing, or whirring sound in the ear.
Depending on the vestibular disorder, individuals are often found to have a difficulty concentrating; they may be forgetful, and easily confused. As a result, anxiety is common as is a difficulty in social situations, and a lack of self confidence and self esteem. All of these symptoms can be difficult to diagnose, but can usually be helped once a diagnosis is made.
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