Specialized Care for Balance Disorders (Vestibular Disorders)

Some of the balance disorders that the ENT experts at University Hospitals can diagnose and treat, include:

Meniere’s disease

An inner-ear condition that can cause dizziness, spinning sensations, ringing in your ear (tinnitus), transient hearing loss and feelings of pressure in the ear.

Superior Semi-Circular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SSCD)

The thinning or absence of a small piece of bone that usually covers the inner ear. SSCD can lead to episodic vertigo (often when exposed to loud sounds), balance problems and hearing symptoms, including oversensitivity to sound and/or heightened awareness of your own voice or normally imperceptible sounds. The ENT experts at UH treat SSCD using the most advanced surgical approaches, including a same-day trans-mastoid approach which was pioneered at University Hospitals.

Vestibular Migraine

Vestibular migraine is the most common reason for episodic vertigo (spinning sensation). It is very common in patients with other vestibular disorders including Meniere’s disease and SSCD. Our experts including vestibular audiologists, neurologists and neurotologists manage these patients in a very comprehensive manner.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

A very common cause of vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation). Episodes may only last for one minute or less but can be recurring and very debilitating. BPPV is caused by a problem in the inner ear. Normally, tiny calcium stones or crystals in the inner ear canals help you keep your balance by moving when you stand up or turn your head. When the movement of these crystals is abnormal in response to changes in head or eye movements, symptoms of mild to intense dizziness can occur. The ENT experts at University Hospitals, in collaboration with vestibular therapists, can treat and rehabilitate even the most complex cases of BPPV.

Vestibular neuritis

An inflammatory disorder of the vestibular nerves that can cause very debilitating vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation). Treatment usually includes steroid medications but, often, long-term issues with balance may persist. Our experts use various vestibular tests as well as advanced rehabilitation to help these patients to improve their balance and functionality.

Generalized weakness of the balance system

This can be due to various causes. The UH team of ENT experts and vestibular therapists work with each patient to reach an appropriate diagnosis and prescribe the right treatments and vestibular rehabilitation to enhance the patient’s balance function, safety and ultimately their quality of life.