R-Z Glossary of Vestibular Disorders

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (Herpes zoster oticus) consists of facial paralysis, inner ear disturbances and painful herpetiform blisters of the auricle.

Superior canal dehiscence syndrome is due to a dehiscence (none or very thin layer) of bone overlying the superior semicircular canal resulting in a constellation of auditory (hearing) and vestibular (balance) symptoms.

Traumatic brain injury may result in labyrinthine (inner ear) concussion, skull fractures, haemorrhage into the labyrinth and brain stem and changes in the intracranial pressure, which may rupture the round or oval window in the labyrinth causing a perilymph fistula. Traumatic brain injury may damage central vestibular structures causing eye movement problems, and sometimes vertigo, which may be spontaneous and/or provoked.

Vestibular neurectomy is when the vestibular nerve is sectioned.

Viral neuro-labyrinthitis (vestibular neuritis, vestibular neuronitis) is due to a viral infection of the inner ear that may cause hearing loss, tinnitus, blurred vision, vertigo or dizziness and imbalance.

Whiplash injury is due to a linear acceleration-deceleration force of the spine.