Meniere’s disease is caused by a unilateral, intermittent increase in endolymphatic volume, which results in unequal and abnormal vestibular function. It is characterized by recurrent, peripheral vertigo, which is associated with constant tinnitus and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss. It is more common in older…
Labyrinthine concussion is a post-traumatic dysfunction of the inner ear without fracture of the labyrinth. It is characterized by an acute, peripheral vertigo.
Vestibular neuronitis, also known as vestibular neuritis, is the acute inflammation of the vestibular nerve. It leads to a sudden onset, severe (peripheral) vertigo, and is commonly associated with a URTI. It peaks between 40 and 50 years of age.
Dizziness is a sensation that produces spatial disorientation. Vertigo is a sensation of movement. It is usually perceived as a spinning sensation. Its cause is mainly neurological in origin, unlike presyncope – a feeling of light-headedness or faintness – whose cause is primarily cardiovascular.…
Acute mastoiditis is a suppurative infection of the mastoid air cells of the temporal bone. It is a serious complication of acute otitis media.
Lacerations of the ear should be repaired as soon as possible
Anotia is the absence of the ear caused by failure of neural crest cells to migrate to the 1st pharyngeal pouch. It is part of the first arch syndromes: Treacher Collins Syndrome and Pierre Robin Syndrome.
A preauricular sinus is an epithelial tract that is positioned anterior to the crus of the helix above the tragus.
Malignant otitis externa is an invasive bacterial infection of the external ear. It occurs in diabetic patients and other immunocompromised patients, typically following ear trauma. The mortality rate, even with the best care, is nearly 10%.
External otitis is an infection of the external auditory canal and pinna. It is commonly referred to as ‘swimmers’ ear’. It peaks between 40 and 50 years and affects men and women equally. Variations of otitis externa Variation Description Acute…