A Comprehensive Review of the Vestibular System

The vestibular system is housed within the bony labyrinth of the inner ear and is made up of three semicircular canals, which respond to angular head movements, and two otolithic organs, which respond to linear head movements. There are multiple diseases and disorders that can negatively impact the function of the vestibular system and result in symptoms including vertigo and imbalance. Audiologists perform many diagnostic evaluations to assist with the differential diagnosis of vestibular disorders, including videonystagmography (VNG), posturography, rotational chair, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP). These evaluations are essential in determining the site of lesion and treatment options for the dizzy patient. The purpose of this capstone is to provide a comprehensive overview of the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system, to review some common disorders that are often present in the dizzy patient, to summarize the evaluations that an audiologist may perform to assist in the differential diagnosis of a dizzy patient, and to present multiple case studies