A test that measures the brain’s electrical response to sound stimuli. It is used to assess the integrity of the auditory nerve and brainstem pathways and can help detect issues such as vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas) that might cause dizziness or hearing loss.

A benign tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII), which connects the inner ear to the brain. It can cause dizziness, imbalance, tinnitus, and hearing loss by affecting both the auditory and balance systems.

The bulb-like swelling at the base of each semicircular canal in the inner ear. It contains sensory hair cells that detect rotational head movements. Dysfunction in the ampullae can result in vertigo and imbalance.

A class of medications used to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting, common symptoms associated with vertigo and motion sickness related to vestibular disorders.

Ondansetron (Zofran): Blocks serotonin receptors; commonly used for nausea, but less effective for motion-related dizziness.

Promethazine (Phenergan): An older antiemetic with sedative effects; often used for motion sickness and vertigo-related nausea.

Medications that block histamine receptors and may reduce symptoms of vertigo, nausea, and motion sickness. Often used as a vestibular suppressant in acute dizziness.
Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate) and Meclizine (Antivert): Commonly used to treat motion sickness and vestibular vertigo.

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): Has sedative and anti-nausea effects, sometimes used for dizziness but less specific.
These drugs can help suppress the vestibular system, reducing dizziness.

Anxiety can both cause and exacerbate dizziness, especially in chronic dizziness disorders. Patients with vestibular dysfunction may develop secondary anxiety due to fear of falling or experiencing vertigo, and anxiety disorders can also mimic or worsen balance symptoms.

A graphical representation of hearing ability obtained during a hearing test. It helps diagnose hearing loss that may accompany vestibular disorders (e.g., in Ménière’s disease or vestibular schwannoma).

A healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and managing hearing and balance disorders, including vestibular testing and rehabilitation for dizziness and vertigo.

Relating to hearing. In vestibular disorders, the auditory system may also be affected (e.g., tinnitus, hearing loss, hyperacusis), especially in inner ear conditions like Ménière’s disease or labyrinthitis.

A rare condition where the immune system attacks the inner ear, leading to progressive hearing loss, vertigo, and balance dysfunction. Early treatment is crucial to preserve function.

A condition where one hears their own voice, breathing, or internal sounds unusually loudly. Often associated with superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) or Eustachian tube dysfunction, both of which can be linked to dizziness or imbalance.

The ability to maintain the body’s position, whether stationary or moving. It depends on input from the vestibular system, vision, and proprioception. Disruption in any system can lead to dizziness or imbalance.

Also called vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), this is a set of exercises designed to improve stability, gait, and reduce dizziness by promoting compensation in the brain for vestibular deficits.

Includes the vestibular system (inner ear), visual system, and somatosensory system (body awareness through muscles and joints). All work together to maintain orientation and stability.

Shifts in atmospheric pressure can affect inner ear fluid dynamics, potentially triggering vertigo, migraines, or ear fullness in sensitive individuals, especially in Vestibular Migraine & Ménière’s disease.

The area beneath a person’s body that includes every point of contact with the supporting surface (AKA your feet). A wider base of support enhances balance; a narrow one increases the risk of falling, especially in those with vestibular issues. It can feel difficult to walk with a narrow or normal base of support.

A canalith repositioning maneuver used to treat horizontal canal BPPV. The patient is rotated in a step-wise fashion to move displaced otoconia out of the semicircular canal.

A common vestibular disorder caused by displaced otoconia (ear crystals) in the semicircular canals, triggering brief episodes of vertigo with changes in head position.The most common cause of vertigo.

A class of medications that depress the central nervous system, reducing vestibular activity and anxiety. They are sometimes used short-term for acute vertigo, but may delay vestibular compensation.

Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam): Used for acute vertigo, anxiety-related dizziness.

Restoril, Versed, Librium: Less commonly used for vestibular issues but have similar sedative effects.
Caution: Long-term use may cause dependency and impair compensation.

This is NOT a recommended treatment long term or for PPPD