How the Inner Ear Balance System Works - Labyrinth Semicircular Canals

Video describes how the inner ear balance system works. The semicircular canals are shown along with corresponding head movements. PLEASE NOTE that this video is a simplification of what actually happens as well as angles used. For example, the video implies that the posterior semicircular canal is oriented perfectly between the ears and that head tilting ONLY stimulates the posterior canal. That is not technically true. The posterior (and superior) canals are actually angled 45 degrees from that shown in the video. Also the head tilt and nod actually stimulates BOTH these canals. But for the purposes of lay audience education, these complicating details were ignored.

Dix-Hallpike maneuver is also shown at the end.

For more information about BPPV:

Perform Dix-Hallpike to determine what type of BPPV here (the full length video):

Check out our online store for other ear/balance related products:

POSTERIOR canal BPPV treated by Epley maneuver here:

POSTERIOR canal BPPV treated by Foster Half-Somersault here:

LATERAL canal BPPV treated by Lempert maneuver here:

SUPERIOR canal BPPV treated by Deep Head-Hanging here:

Flowchart for BPPV diagnosis and treatment can be found here:

Video on Meniere's Disease:

Free, fast, simple, and accurate online hearing test:

Video produced by Dr. Chris Chang:

#innerearbalance #labyrinth #dizziness #vertigo #medicalanimation #ent #innerearbalance

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[jwilkinson]

Thank you so much! I've been suffering terribly from vertigo for the last month and while the ENT and PT has helped to an extent, this information has helped me understand what is happening in my inner ear! Thank you again!

[michaelgerard]

Thank you so much. I am suffering for posterior vertigo for many days and when i done this maneuver its already gone. God bless you

[annehogan]

Thank you for clarifying in your comments that the "nodding" stimulates both the posterior and superior canal (primarily).  Nonetheless- good quality video. Will you also add head impulse testing videos?  Thanks for taking the time.  

[kirstenmackenzie]

Great little intro to the semicircular canals.

[bari]

My ex pushed on my soft rubber earphones while I had it in my ear. It felt like a plunger motion inside my ear. An hour later I suffered vertigo that lasted 4 days. Terrible disease let alone being the one your family relies on when you’re suffering this dizziness.🤢🤮 Thank you now I understand it.

[Onetheworld]

this was helpful. I don't like to say I have any type of disease or problem but this seems the most similar to my symptom.

[downloadminutescureverti]

*Thank you so much for this. It is a life saver.*

[ricklambert]

Good work, simple and clean 10/10 <3

[fcsolis]

Awesome! Learn something new everyday.

[mb]

The thing is..by the time person goes to doctor, dizziness is gone so how would it be diagnose during this maneuver?

[kdcreation]

Thanks doc, but my hearing loss left ear is not recovering?

[usernotfound]

The semicircular canals also are lined with hair cells that have tiny particles of calcium carbonate on top of them but this much of it is just excessive deeper anatomy of ear generally thanks for this short video

[OMARYassin]

Can I use a part of your video and mention you please ?

[janhavi]

Thankyou so much I am suffering from the problem with this topic

[connerbalbuena]

Is it possible to have vertigo in all 3 canals?

[allenschneider]

Does this approach work as well as the Elpey technique? It looks much simpler to perform. Are they for different conditions or treat the same thing?

[kingmasterlord]

so nystagmus is the fluid rotating and overstimulating the proprioceptor?

so it causes our eye to do its autocorrect thing where it gives us smooth vision when we're moving?

[thefreckledafrikan]

help me. been having vertigo since Tuesday early early morning

[kattarlindu]

3axis canals xyz to determine every dimension
Truly a marvelous piece of biology