Vestibular Disorders

1 July 2025

Overview

Vestibular disorders involve dysfunction of the inner ear and its connections within the brain, causing dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, and other related symptoms. These conditions can significantly affect quality of life, impacting mobility, independence, and confidence.

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, our specialist team provides comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation to help individuals manage vestibular disorders and regain control of their daily lives.

Common Types of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders include conditions such as:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Labyrinthitis or Vestibular Neuritis (inner ear inflammation)
Ménière’s Disease
Vestibular Migraine
Acoustic Neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)
Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

Each has distinct causes, but all affect balance, spatial orientation, and coordination.

Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Common symptoms may include:

Dizziness or spinning sensation (vertigo)
Balance difficulties or unsteadiness
Nausea or vomiting
Hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in ears)
Difficulty focusing vision (visual disturbances)
Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
Anxiety related to persistent dizziness

Symptoms can vary widely in severity and duration, significantly affecting daily life.

Causes of Vestibular Disorders

Possible causes include:

Viral or bacterial infections affecting the inner ear
Head injuries or trauma
Age-related degeneration of the vestibular system
Medication side effects
Autoimmune diseases
Genetic or hereditary factors

Some conditions, like vestibular migraines, have less clearly understood causes and may require specialist assessment.

Diagnosis

Our expert team offers comprehensive assessment, including:

Detailed medical history and symptom evaluation
Vestibular testing (balance tests and positional manoeuvres)
Hearing tests (audiometry)
MRI or CT imaging, if needed, to exclude structural problems or tumours
Neurological examination, if required

Accurate diagnosis ensures effective, targeted treatment.

Treatment & Rehabilitation

Treatment depends on the specific disorder and individual symptoms, but may include:

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) – targeted exercises to retrain balance and reduce symptoms
Medication – to manage acute episodes of dizziness or vertigo
Lifestyle and dietary changes – particularly for conditions like Ménière’s disease or vestibular migraine
Balance retraining – exercises and therapy to improve daily function
Counselling and psychological support – to help manage anxiety related to chronic dizziness

Our multidisciplinary approach aims to reduce symptoms, improve balance, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Find Out About Our Rehabilitation Services