What does BVL mean in UNCLASSIFIED

Bilateral vestibular loss (BVL) is an injury to the inner ear resulting in a complete loss of balance and spatial orientation on both sides. It is a disruption of signals that help the brain to interpret movement and direction. Common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vertigo, imbalance and difficulty walking or standing.

Bilateral vestibular loss affects around 1 in 10,000 people in the United States. It can occur at any point in life, but it tends to most commonly affect older adults.

The most common cause of BVL is Meniere's Disease, an inner ear disorder that typically affects one ear but can sometimes lead to permanent damage of both ears. Other possible causes include traumatic injuries such as concussions, head trauma or hearing loss due to loud noises; medications that have ototoxic effects; tumors involving the inner ear; autoimmune diseases; and some infectious diseases such as herpes zoster virus or bacterial infections from streptococcus or tuberculosis.

Doctors will conduct a physical exam to test for symptoms associated with bilateral vestibular loss including poor balance, sensations of spinning or swaying when standing still (vertigo) and spontaneous eye movements (nystagmus). Additional tests may include a CT scan or MRI imaging tests, an electronystagmography (ENG) which uses electrodes placed around the eyes to measure eye movements related to balance problems, a caloric testing which involves measuring your eye movements after cold and hot water is irrigated into your ears, and hearing tests using audiometry instruments including tympanometry (to measure middle ear function) and otoacoustic emissions testing (to assess outer hair cell function).

The goal of treatment for bilateral vestibular loss is symptom management aimed at improving functioning in daily activities such as walking, driving and maintaining equilibrium when standing still. Treatment plans may involve physical therapy exercises aimed at retraining your body compensating for visual cues gained through normal peripheral vision; medications for nausea control; assistive devices such as canes or walkers; strategies for managing stress associated with chronic illness; counseling sessions aimed at helping you cope with changing abilities; lifestyle modifications such as keeping a schedule or avoiding certain activities; Tai Chi or Yoga programs offered by therapists trained in these techniques specifically designed for helping maintain balance and posture control.

Unfortunately yes. People suffering from bilateral vestibular loss will often experience chronic feelings of fatigue due to increased effort needed on daily tasks--such as reading while feeling off-balance--as well increased risk of falls due to impaired balance control making it more difficult to maneuver around obstacles safely. Additionally untreated cases might experience psychological side effects like depression due to frustration resulting from decreased independence caused by an inability perform everyday activities without assistance.

In many cases no as some causes are genetic such as Meniere's Disease while others are hard prevent like head trauma caused by accidents while playing sports. However you can take steps toward minimizing your risk factors by wearing protective gear when playing contact sports or participating in extreme activities, avoiding overly noisy areas even those seemingly harmless settings like movie theaters where sound levels tend be higher than expected causing potential damage over time, limiting exposure loud noises produced by machines such as drills etc., always wearing properly fitted headsets during high-volume activity limit sound level experienced not only on ears but also prevents vibrations transmission directly into skull region.