Can falling from a moving escalator cause inner ear disorder?

Question

Hello doctor,

Three weeks ago, while descending on a moving escalator I fell down, but I was holding the bannister and it only caused me to sit on the steps from where I got up and walked away upon reaching down. Next day, while sitting on a highchair with a very small base and seat, I slipped off but managed not to fall by holding on to a nearby support. For the previous three years, I have preferred to hold on to the railing while climbing or going down a flight of stairs. I consulted a neurologist who said that I have an inner ear disorder and asked me to consult an ENT specialist. She told me to perform a brain MRI and consider a nerve conduction study. Can you shortlist the possible inner ear disorders? Also, please tell me about the tests in sequence which I should do to identify the specific inner ear disorder. Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. You are probably suffering from imbalance. It is a type of vertigo. Such problems arise when the vestibule of the inner ear is not working properly. The balancing of the moving body is managed by the vestibule of the inner ear. Sometimes, the inner ear gets affected by viral infection, bacterial infection, or metabolic dysfunction like hydrops. Diagnostic tools are good clinical examinations by an ENT doctor. Investigations like electronystagmography (ENG) can be done. I suggest you consult your ENT doctor, as they would perform the above-mentioned examinations and will arrive at a correct diagnosis to manage your problem. I hope I have resolved your queries. Do get back if you have any further queries. Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

As you said, your ENG (Electronystagmography) test is normal which means that you have no vestibular disorder. Now one should look for other causes of unsteadiness like 1. Cardiac cause like positional hypotension or transient ischemia should be checked. 2. Ophthalmic causes. 3. Cerebellar functions should be examined clinically. It was a pleasure to have you at icliniq. Thank you.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

As your ENT specialist had ruled out vertigo through clinical examination and investigation and diagnosed it as vascular insufficiency, kindly follow your ENT doctor's guidance and take vasodilator medication with the consent of your ENT doctor. If he advises you to consult a cardiologist for a cardiovascular examination, then please go ahead with his suggestion. My suggestion is that you should also try rehabilitation exercises for unsteadiness with the help of an expert physiotherapist. Thank you.