Name of the Condition

• Aural Vertigo, Bilateral
• Also known as bilateral vestibular vertigo or bilateral labyrinthitis.

Summary

Aural vertigo, bilateral, is a condition characterized by the sensation of spinning or dizziness that originates from issues in both inner ears. This can significantly impact balance and spatial orientation.

Causes

• Inflammation of the inner ear (often due to infections).
• Bilateral Meniere's disease.
• Toxic damage from medications (e.g., certain antibiotics).
• Head trauma affecting both ears.
• Age-related degeneration of the vestibular system.

Risk Factors

• Older age.
• History of ear infections or illnesses.
• Pre-existing vestibular disorders.
• Use of ototoxic drugs (medications that can harm the ear).
• Family history of vestibular issues.

Symptoms

• Sensation of spinning or dizziness (vertigo) affecting both sides.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Difficulty maintaining balance.
• Unsteady gait.
• Hearing loss or tinnitus in severe cases.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive ENT examination.
• Vestibular function tests (e.g., electronystagmography).
• Hearing tests (audiometry).
• Imaging studies (e.g., MRI or CT scans) to rule out other causes.

Treatment Options

• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: Exercises to improve balance and coordination.
• Medications: Antivertiginous drugs such as meclizine or diazepam can help manage symptoms.
• Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding triggers such as sudden movements or specific visual stimuli.

• In some cases, hearing aids or surgical interventions may be considered.

  Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The condition can be managed successfully with appropriate interventions and rehabilitation.
• Requires regular follow-up to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
• Some cases may see improvement over time, while others could be chronic.

Complications

• Increased risk of falls due to impaired balance.
• Chronic dizziness can lead to reduced quality of life.
• Potential hearing loss if associated with cochlear damage.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Engaging in balance exercises to strengthen vestibular function.
• Avoiding ototoxic drugs where possible.
• Protecting ears from infections and injuries.
• Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can positively influence ear health.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent or severe dizziness.
• Sudden hearing loss.
• Continuous vomiting.
• Confusion, slurred speech, or other neurological symptoms.

Additional Resources

• Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA): vestibular.org
• American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF): american-hearing.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure to specify "bilateral" as it indicates the condition affects both ears.
• Verify the absence of other specified causes or unilateral conditions.
• Avoid confusion with unilateral aural vertigo codes (e.g., H81.311 for the right ear, H81.312 for the left ear).