Vestibular disease (VD), or vestibular syndrome, is a common condition that usually affects senior dogs. The working definition of this condition for the sake of this article is any disease process ... The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that process the sensory information involved with controlling balance and eye movements.

Understanding the Context

If disease or injury damages these processing areas, disorders of dizziness or balance can result. The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, aging, or injury, vestibular disorders can result, and are often associated with one or more of these symptoms, among others: Dizziness: A sensation of lightheadedness, faintness, or unsteadiness. The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) provides educational and support resources to people with inner ear and brain balance disorders.

Key Insights

The inner ear's vestibular organs and the associated nerves and brain centers form a complex system that serve many functions and can be affected by a number of outside systems, such as vision and proprioception (i.e. your muscles and joints). A thorough evaluation of your vestibular function may involve: - Medical history - Physical examination - Tests of inner ear function - Hearing tests ... Central Vestibular Disorders Dizziness can be caused by a dysfunction in the peripheral vestibular system (the labyrinth of the inner ear, and the pathways/nerves connecting to the brainstem) or the central vestibular system (the brain and brainstem). This article provides an overview of how to differentiate peripheral from central vestibular disorders.

Final Thoughts

Vestibular disorders โ€” conditions that affect the inner ear and brain systems responsible for balance โ€” can be among the most frustrating and life-altering health challenges a person faces. People with vestibular disorders often live with persistent vertigo (a spinning sensation), unsteadiness, imbalance, and dizziness that interfere with everyday activities such as walking, working ... Maintaining balance depends on information received by the brain from the eyes, muscles and joints, and vestibular organs in the inner ear.