Inner Ear: Tinnitus & Vertigo Overview
45 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What can be a fatal consequence of labyrinthitis if left untreated?

  • Severe vertigo only
  • Temporary hearing loss
  • Progression to meningitis (correct)
  • Nasal congestion

Which pathogen is cited as the most common cause of suppurative labyrinthitis?

  • S.pneumoniae (correct)
  • E. coli
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae

In cases of acute otitis media, how may the infection spread to the labyrinth?

  • Through blood circulation
  • By direct contact with air
  • Via a perforated tympanic membrane
  • Through a weakened oval window membrane (correct)

What syndrome is associated with the activation of latent herpes zoster infection?

<p>Ramsay Hunt syndrome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with acoustic neuroma?

<p>Facial paralysis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals experience disturbing tinnitus?

<p>3% to 5% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tinnitus can only be heard by the patient?

<p>Subjective tinnitus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of tinnitus?

<p>Changes to the auditory system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which physical examination technique may diminish tinnitus of venous origin?

<p>Palpation and light compression of the jugular vein (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which investigation may indicate conductive hearing loss secondary to vascular lesions in the middle ear?

<p>Pure tone audiometry (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What quality of sound is NOT typically associated with tinnitus?

<p>Normal speech (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature can be described as episodic, fluctuating, constant, or pulsatile in tinnitus history?

<p>Temporal features (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In general, which type of tinnitus is more common?

<p>Subjective tinnitus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first-line treatment for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?

<p>Repositioning maneuvers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with Meniere's disease?

<p>Persistent hearing loss (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dietary regimen is recommended for managing Meniere's disease?

<p>Hydrops diet regimen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of vestibular neuritis?

<p>Vertigo lasting days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a possible etiology for vestibular neuritis?

<p>Viral infection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Meniere's disease, how often does it usually start unilaterally compared to bilaterally?

<p>Unilaterally in most cases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential surgical treatment for Meniere's disease?

<p>Endolymphatic sac decompression (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about labyrinthitis is true?

<p>It is characteristically viral-induced. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT associated with hearing loss?

<p>Dizziness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily relied upon for diagnosis in cases of hearing loss?

<p>Patient history (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key indicator of true vertigo?

<p>Sensation of motion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Romberg's test?

<p>To evaluate proprioception (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms would NOT suggest a central cause in hearing-related examinations?

<p>True vertigo (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would be a positive indicator in an Unterberger test?

<p>Rotation to one side (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is least likely to cause vertigo?

<p>Neurological weakness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sensory inputs does the Romberg's test rely on?

<p>Proprioception, vision, vestibular (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the condition where the Eustachian tube intermittently stays open?

<p>Patulous Eustachian tube (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common management option for tinnitus when no cause is identified?

<p>Reassurance and psychotherapy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of vertigo?

<p>The illusion of movement of the patient or surroundings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is usually associated with episodic dizziness lasting for seconds?

<p>Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the masking of tinnitus for patients with hearing loss?

<p>Sound machines or external noise sources (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor usually leads to the central nervous system adapting to vestibular lesions?

<p>The nature of the vestibular lesion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with inner ear problems and lasts for hours?

<p>Meniere's disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is often mistaken for constant dizziness due to its episodic nature?

<p>Frequent episodic dizziness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a gait deviation towards one side indicate during the walking with eyes closed test?

<p>Vestibular deficit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the turning test, which direction does a patient generally fall if there is vestibular weakness?

<p>Towards the side of weakness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the head thrust test?

<p>Diagnose peripheral vestibular loss (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a positive fistula test indicate?

<p>Presence of nystagmus and symptoms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with BPPV diagnosis?

<p>Sudden vertigo with specific head positions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most affected semicircular canal in BPPV cases?

<p>Posterior semicircular canal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factors can predispose an individual to develop BPPV?

<p>Age and inactivity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a positive result during the Dix Hallpike test?

<p>Latent period followed by rotatory nystagmus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Tinnitus

Any sound perceived by the listener that is not originating from an external source for more than 5 minutes, without external sound stimulation or immediately after loud noise exposure.

Subjective Tinnitus

Tinnitus that can only be heard by the patient.

Objective Tinnitus

Tinnitus that can be heard by both the patient and an examiner using a stethoscope.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) and Tinnitus

A common cause of tinnitus, where hair cells in the cochlea are damaged leading to misinterpretation of neural activity as sound.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tympanometry

A medical examination technique to assess the function of the middle ear, may reveal myoclonic activity and a Patulous Eustachian tube.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pure Tone Audiometry

A medical examination technique to assess hearing, may indicate conductive hearing loss secondary to vascular lesions affecting the middle ear.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Auscultation of the neck and cranium

A physical examination step that involves listening for carotid bruit or blood turbulence in the neck and cranium, potentially indicating an arteriovenous malformation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Palpation and Compression of the Jugular Vein

A physical examination technique that involves palpating and compressing the jugular vein, which may reduce tinnitus caused by venous origin.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET)

A physical disorder where the Eustachian tube, which is normally closed, stays intermittently open. This causes the person to hear their own self-generated sounds.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Vertigo

The illusion of movement of the patient or their surroundings. It's a symptom of vestibular system damage, often causing dizziness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

A type of vertigo that only lasts for seconds, triggered by a change in head position. It's usually caused by a loose calcium crystal in the inner ear.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Minutes-lasting Vertigo

A type of vertigo that lasts for minutes, potentially caused by conditions like migraine or multiple sclerosis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Meniere's Disease

A type of Vertigo caused by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear, often affecting hearing and balance. Symptoms can last for hours.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Inner Ear Fistula

A type of Vertigo caused by a leak in the inner ear, potentially leading to dizziness and hearing loss. Symptoms can last for hours.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Masking of Tinnitus

The amplification of environmental noises to mask tinnitus. Often used in hearing aids or external noise sources.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Labyrinthitis

A condition affecting the inner ear, causing dizziness and potentially hearing loss.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Vestibular Neuritis

A condition where there is a weakness or damage to the vestibular nerve, leading to dizziness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Romberg's Test

A neurological assessment that tests the brain's ability to receive three sensory inputs: proprioception, vision, and vestibular.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome

A vestibular disorder causing dizziness due to a thin, fragile area in the bone surrounding the superior semicircular canal.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Barotrauma

A condition where a sudden change in air pressure in the ear, often from flying or diving, causes dizziness and hearing loss.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diagnosis of Inner Ear Disorders

The diagnosis of inner ear disorders often relies heavily on the patient's description of the symptoms, using a 'process of elimination' to rule out other conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

History Taking for Inner Ear Disorders

A medical history evaluation includes collecting information about the onset, type, duration, and triggers of dizziness, as well as associated symptoms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Neurological Examination

Involves assessing neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, speech difficulties, or double vision, which may indicate central nervous system involvement.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Suppurative Labyrinthitis

An inner ear infection that can lead to permanent hearing loss and severe vertigo.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Weakened Oval Window Membrane

A condition where the oval window membrane weakens after stapes surgery, making the inner ear vulnerable to infection.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dehiscent Oval Window Membrane

A condition where the oval window membrane is abnormally thin, allowing for bacteria to easily reach the inner ear.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cholesteatomatous Lateral Semicircular Canal Fistula

A condition where a hole forms in the lateral semicircular canal, allowing bacteria to directly invade the inner ear.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diffuse Suppurative Labyrinthitis

Infection of the inner ear caused by bacteria spreading from the middle ear, resulting in hearing loss and vertigo.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Walking with eyes closed test

A test where the patient is asked to walk with their eyes closed three times. If they have a vestibular deficit, their gait will deviate or be unsteady towards the affected side.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Turning test

A test where the patient closes their eyes, walks straight, and then quickly turns 180 degrees. A patient with vestibular weakness will tend to fall towards the affected side.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Head thrust test

A test for chronic peripheral vestibular loss, used to diagnose and identify the side of the hypo-functioning labyrinth. It is based on the dollʼs eye phenomenon.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fistula test

A test performed when a perilymph fistula is suspected. Pressure is applied to the tragus, and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) and other symptoms are observed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dix-Hallpike test

A test for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) that involves quickly moving the patientʼs head from an upright to a supine position with the head turned.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nystagmus

Involuntary, rhythmic oscillation of the eyes away from the direction of gaze, followed by a return to the original position. Named after the fast component of the nystagmus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Canalithiasis

A condition where crystals in the inner ear become dislodged, leading to episodes of vertigo. It's often the underlying cause of BPPV.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) involves the displacement of calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) in the semicircular canals of the inner ear leading to brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the Epley maneuver?

The Epley maneuver is a treatment for BPPV that uses gravity to reposition the otoconia out of the semicircular canals and into the vestibule.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is Meniere's disease?

Meniere's disease is characterized by episodic vertigo lasting hours, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It's caused by an excess of fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a hydrops diet (HDR)?

A hydrops diet regimen (HDR) aims to stabilize fluid and electrolytes by minimizing salt and sugar intake, maintaining adequate water consumption, and limiting caffeine and alcohol.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is vestibular neuritis?

Vestibular neuritis is characterized by vertigo lasting days after an upper respiratory infection without hearing loss or other neurological symptoms. It's likely caused by a viral infection or vascular issues.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear that typically occurs due to a viral infection. It's characterized by both vertigo and hearing loss, and although potentially causing the same symptoms as Meniere's disease, it is not a progressive condition.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is intratympanic gentamicin therapy?

Intratympanic gentamicin therapy is a treatment option for Meniere's disease but carries the risk of further hearing loss. This treatment involves injecting gentamicin, an antibiotic, into the middle ear.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is endolymphatic sac decompression surgery?

Endolymphatic sac decompression is a surgical procedure for Meniere's disease that aims to relieve pressure within the inner ear by creating a larger space for fluid to drain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Inner Ear (Tinnitus & Vertigo)

  • Tinnitus is any perceived sound not from an external source, lasting more than five minutes, in the absence of external stimulation, and not immediately following loud noise exposure.

  • It's categorized as disturbing for 3-5% of individuals experiencing it.

  • Two main types of tinnitus:

    • Subjective: Only audible to the patient (95% of cases).
    • Objective: Audible to both the patient and an examiner using a stethoscope, often pulsatile, in sync with the heartbeat.

  • Tinnitus can be influenced by various factors:

    • Unilateral (one-sided)/Bilateral (both-sided), pulsatile/non-pulsatile, with/without hearing loss.
    • Otologic issues (wax buildup, ear infections, Meniere's disease, noise-induced hearing loss, etc.)
    • Metabolic factors (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism).
    • Neurological issues (head injury, multiple sclerosis, etc.).
    • Cardiovascular issues (hypertension, hypotension, etc.).
    • Pharmacologic factors (certain medications).
    • Psychogenic factors (anxiety, depression).
    • Vascular issues (AV shunts, glomus tumors, abnormal carotid blood flow).

  • Vertigo is the illusion of movement of oneself or surroundings.

  • Vertigo is a common complaint of individuals with vestibular system injury, usually manifested as dizziness and not vertigo itself.

  • It's characterized by a continuous temporary symptom that often subsides within days or weeks.

    • Constant vertigo doesn't typically signify vestibular issues.

  • Duration-based causes of vertigo:

    • Seconds: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
    • Minutes: Migraine-associated, vertebral-basilar insufficiency.
    • Hours: Meniere's disease, endolymphatic hydrops, otic syphilis.
    • Weeks: CNS disorder, multiple sclerosis, acoustic neuroma.
    • Variable duration: Inner ear fistula, Lyme disease, barotrauma.

  • Peripheral and central dizziness types:

    • Peripheral: More severe, short-lived, often associated with tinnitus, hearing loss, and otalgia (ear pain).
    • Central: Milder, long-lasting, associated with other central symptoms (e.g., diplopia, slurred speech, dysphoria). Both are linked to nystagmus (involuntary eye movements).

  • Diagnosis focuses on history (onset, character, duration, and relationship to head movements), neurological symptoms (e.g., loss of consciousness, weakness, etc.), and examination.

  • BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo):

  • Sudden vertigo triggered by specific head movements.

  • No associated hearing loss.

  • Characteristic nystagmus with Dix-Hallpike test.

  • Generally unilateral.

  • Presents in 50s.

  • Meniere's Disease:

  • Excessive endolymph buildup in the inner ear.

  • Episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness.

  • Often initially unilateral, but in some cases bilateral.

  • Vestibular Neuritis:

  • Vertigo lasting days after an upper respiratory infection.

  • No associated hearing loss.

  • Other neurological signs/symptoms typically absent.

  • May experience positional instability towards the affected ear.

  • Labyrinthitis:

  • Viral or bacterial origin, potentially life-threatening.

  • Suppurative labyrinthitis leading to meningitis is possible.

  • Usually accompanied by vertigo and hearing loss.

  • Investigations often include imaging (CT, MRI), audiometry, blood tests, ECG, examination, and detailed history.

  • Management strategies often include managing symptoms, stabilizing the body's electrolyte balances, creating a safe environment, and treating any underlying causes identified.

  • Epley Maneuver is a common treatment for BPPV, using gravity to move canalith debris out of the inner ear's semi-circular canal.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Inner Ear Conditions: Tinnitus & Vertigo PDF

Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of tinnitus and vertigo, focusing on their types, causes, and effects. Learn about subjective and objective tinnitus, as well as various influencing factors such as otologic, metabolic, neurological, and cardiovascular issues. Test your understanding of how these conditions can impact individuals differently.

More Like This

Tinnitus Quiz
10 questions

Tinnitus Quiz

CelebratoryUnderstanding6622 avatar
CelebratoryUnderstanding6622
Tinnitus Prevalence Quiz
5 questions

Tinnitus Prevalence Quiz

IlluminatingJoy avatar
IlluminatingJoy
Mechanisms of Tinnitus Generation
10 questions

Mechanisms of Tinnitus Generation

IlluminatingJoy avatar
IlluminatingJoy
Inner Ear Disorders: Tinnitus & Vertigo
45 questions

Inner Ear Disorders: Tinnitus & Vertigo

MiraculousSpessartine avatar
MiraculousSpessartine
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser