Ear Pain
Ear pain can occur most commonly due to filling of wax in the ear, allery, chillness, entry of any foreign body in the ear or infection in the Eustachian tube which connects ear, nose and throat.
Ear Discharge
Alternative NamesDrainage from the ear; Otorrhea; Ear bleeding; Bleeding from ear Definition of Ear discharge:Ear discharge is drainage of blood, ear wax, pus, or fluid from the ear. Considerations:Most of the time, any fluid leaking out of an ear is ear wax. However, discharge may also be caused by a minor irritation or infection. A ruptured eardrum can cause a white, slightly bloody, or yellow discharge from the ear. Dry crusted material on a child's pillow is often a sign of a ruptured eardrum. Bleeding from the ear may also be due to: o Cancer o Foreign object in the ear canal o Injury Common Causes:o Eczema and other skin irritations in the ear canal o Inflammation or infection: o Otitis externa - chronic o Otitis externa - malignant o Otitis media o Mastoiditis o Cholesteatoma ( Causes foul smelly scanty discharge) o Injury from a blow to the head, foreign object, very loud noises, or sudden pressure changes (such as in airplanes), resulting in a ruptured or perforated eardrum o Swimmer's ear -- usually accompanied by itching, scaling, a red or moist ear canal and pain that increases when you move the ear lobe. Hearing Loss To understand hearing loss it is important to understand how normal hearing takes place. There are 2 different pathways by which sound waves produce the sensation of hearing: air conduction and bone conduction.
There are 2 basic types of hearing loss, which are called conductive and sensorineural.
Giddiness ( Vertigo) Vertigo is a type
of dizziness, where there is a feeling of motion when one is
stationary. The symptoms are due to a dysfunction of the vestibular
system in the inner ear. It is often associated with nausea and
vomiting as well as difficulties standing or walking. It occurs about two to three times more
frequently in women than in men and in the elderly as opposed to younger people. Classification Vertigo is classified into either
peripheral or central depending on the location of the dysfunction of the
vestibular pathway.
Peripheral Vertigo caused by problems with the inner ear or vestibular system is called "peripheral", "otologic" or "vestibular". The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) but other causes include Ménière's disease, superior canal dehiscence syndrome,labyrithitis,vertigo any cause of inflammation uch as common cold, influenza and bacterial infections may cause transient vertigo if they involve the inner ear, as may chemical insults (e.g., aminoglycosides) or physical trauma. Motion sickness is sometimes classified as a cause of peripheral vertigo. CentralIf vertigo arises from the balance centers of the brain, it is usually milder, and has accompanying neurologic deficits, such as slurred speech, double vision or pathologic nystagmus. Brain pathology can cause a sensation of disequilibrium which is an off-balance sensation. A number of conditions that involve the central nervous system may lead to vertigo including: migraine headaches, lateral medullary syndrome, multiple sclerosis. Vertigo is a sensation of spinning while stationary. It is commonly associated with vomiting or nausea, unsteadiness, and excessive perspiration. Recurrent episodes in those with vertigo is common and they frequently impair the quality of life. Blurred vision, difficulty speaking, a lowered level of consciousness, and hearing loss may also occur. Central nervous system disorders may lead to permanent symptoms. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigoBenign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is brief periods of vertigo ( less than one minute ) which occur with change in position. It is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs in 0.6% of the population yearly with 10% having an attack during their lifetime. It is believed to be due to a mechanical malfunction of the inner ear. BPPV can be effectively treated with repositioning movements. Vestibular migraineVestibular migraine is the association of vertigo and migraines. It is the second most frequent cause of recurrent vertigo with a lifetime occurrence rate of about 1%. Ménière's diseaseMénière's disease frequently presents with vertigo in combination with ringing in the ears, a feeling of pressure or fullness, severe nausea or vomiting, and hearing loss. As the disease worsens, hearing loss will progress. Vestibular neuritisVestibular neuritis presented with severe vertigo. It is believed to be caused by a viral infection of the inner ear. Persisting balance problems may remain in 30% of people affected. Motion sicknessMotion sickness is one of the biggest symptoms of vertigo and it develops most often in persons with inner ear problems. The feeling of dizziness and lightheadedness is often accompanied by nystagmus. This is when the eyes rapidly jerk to one side and then slowly find their way back to the original position. During a single episode of vertigo, this action will occur repeatedly. Symptoms can fade while sitting still with the eyes closed. |