Vertigo...an ear problem?
With few exceptions, this
sensation arises in the inner ear. The inner ear is the part
of the ear buried deep in the ( temporal) bone on the side
of the head including the organ of hearing...the
cochlea, and the organ of balance.....the vestibular
apparatus. Vertigo occurs when one ear malfunctions compared
to the other. When both ears malfunction to the same
degree, vertigo is rare, but severe difficulty walking and
standing up are the result.
Hydrops of the ear is the term for fluid imbalances of the
inner ear. Malfunctions in this system cause balance
problems, severe dizziness (vertigo), accompanied by hearing
loss and distortion, ear ringing (tinnitus), sensations of
plugged ear, and ear pain from loud noises. Hydrops of the
ear takes many many forms. Often incorrectly applied
to any kind of dizziness, the name "Meniere's Disease"
refers to a special form of hydrops.
When the fluid imbalance affects only the cochlea, the
symptoms can include periodic blockage sensations,
ringing in the ear, and/or distortion or loss of hearing.
When just the vestibular apparatus is involved, spinning,
rocking , and moving sensations are experienced.
The off balance and motion sensations can be so
intense, they can cause nausea and vomiting....just like
motion sickness. The cochlear and balance symptoms may occur
together.