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The Vestibular System and Ageing

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Biochemistry and Cell Biology of Ageing: Part II Clinical Science

Part of the book series: Subcellular Biochemistry ((SCBI,volume 91))

Abstract

The world’s population is ageing due to increased hygiene and improved medical care. Dizziness and imbalance frequently affect the elderly and is most common among individuals over the age of 60. In this age group approximately 30% of the population experience these debilitating symptoms at some point. They contribute to falls and frailty, which often result in hospitalization causing tremendous cost for the health care systems, and increased mortality. To make the matters worse balance disorders are often complex. Physicians face the difficulty of diagnosing the patient with the exact disorder especially since each disorder may manifest differently in each patient. In addition, several treatment options exist, however, with a low level of evidence. This chapter summarizes the underlying degenerative processes of the peripheral as well as the central vestibular system, diagnostic tools, the most common balance disorders in the elderly, and possible treatment options of these disorders.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department Biology II, Division of Neurobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany

    Sonja Brosel

  2. Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Munich, Germany

    Michael Strupp

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Correspondence to Sonja Brosel .

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  1. Institute of Zoology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany

    J. Robin Harris

  2. Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

    Viktor I. Korolchuk

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Brosel, S., Strupp, M. (2019). The Vestibular System and Ageing. In: Harris, J., Korolchuk, V. (eds) Biochemistry and Cell Biology of Ageing: Part II Clinical Science. Subcellular Biochemistry, vol 91. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3681-2_8

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