Balance:

Control movements of the center of mass relative to stability limits in order to maintain equilibrium.

BPPV:

Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo - A benign disorder of the labyrinth of the inner ear characterized by paroxysmal vertigo and nystagmus only when the head is in a certain direction. The diagnosis is made at bedside by moving patient from the sitting position to recumbency with head-tilted down 30 degrees over end of table and 30 degrees to one side. This causes a paroxysm of vertigo. This test is called the Hallpike Maneuver. The episodes may last less than a minute, but may reoccur for months.

Center of Mass:

Point at which object pivots in equilibrium.

Cupulolithiasis:

Presence of displaced calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) attached to cupula of the posterior semicircular canal of the inner ear. The condition is often associated with positional vertigo.

Dizziness:

A sensation of whirring or feeling a tendency to fall.

Dysequilibrium:

Refers to unsteadiness, imbalance, or loss of equilibrium; often is accompanied by spatial disorientation.

Endolymphatic Hydrops:

Dilation due to an accumulation of fluid in the labyrinth space of the ear.

Equilibrium:

State of balance. Condition in which contending forces are equal.

Gait:

Manner of walking.

Gaze Stabilization:

Keeps images stable on the retina while head is moving, facilitated by vestibular ocular reflex; used when walking, keeps horizon stable during heel-strike, or reading lines of print.

Kinetic:

Consisting of motion; forces acting on the body during movement and the interactions of sequence of motion with respect to time and forces present.

Labyrinth:

The internal ear, made up of the vestibule, cochlea, and canals.

Labyrinthitis:

Inflammation of labyrinth. Symptoms consist of vertigo, vomiting and/or nystagmus.

Meniere's Disease:

A disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, Tinnitus, (a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear) and fluctuating hearing loss.

Neuromuscular:

Concerning both nerves and muscles.

Nysta