An abnormal leak of inner ear fluid (perilymph) into the middle ear through a small tear or defect, often caused by pressure changes, trauma, or strain.
It can lead to dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, hearing changes, and symptoms that worsen with changes in pressure or exertion.
These injuries can occur from recreational sports in athletes, such as scuba diving with a rapid ascent or cliff jumping with a rapid descent.
During a vestibular exam, testing for this condition is done with labyrinthine integrity tests such as nose-pinched valsalva, tragal pressure, and glottis-closed valsalva. If those tests indicate a potential problem, a thinly sliced CT scan of the ear and a surgery consult are recommended.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
