Stella, the yellow lab from @dognamedstella, is back on her paws. The account posted a snowy reel about that shows her first proper walk since an episode of old dog vestibular disease. The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) provides educational and support resources to people with inner ear and brain balance disorders.

Understanding the Context

The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, aging, or injury, vestibular disorders can result, and are often associated with one or more of these symptoms, among others: Dizziness: A sensation of lightheadedness, faintness, or unsteadiness. The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that process the sensory information involved with controlling balance and eye movements. If disease or injury damages these processing areas, disorders of dizziness or balance can result.

Key Insights

The inner ear's vestibular organs and the associated nerves and brain centers form a complex system that serve many functions and can be affected by a number of outside systems, such as vision and proprioception (i.e. your muscles and joints). A thorough evaluation of your vestibular function may involve: - Medical history - Physical examination - Tests of inner ear function - Hearing tests ... Central Vestibular Disorders Dizziness can be caused by a dysfunction in the peripheral vestibular system (the labyrinth of the inner ear, and the pathways/nerves connecting to the brainstem) or the central vestibular system (the brain and brainstem). This article provides an overview of how to differentiate peripheral from central vestibular disorders.

Final Thoughts

Vestibular disorders β€” conditions that affect the inner ear and brain systems responsible for balance β€” can be among the most frustrating and life-altering health challenges a person faces. People with vestibular disorders often live with persistent vertigo (a spinning sensation), unsteadiness, imbalance, and dizziness that interfere with everyday activities such as walking, working ... Doctors use information from a person’s medical history and findings from a physical examination as a basis for diagnosing vestibular disorders using tests to assess the vestibular system function and rule out alternative causes of symptoms.