Is your world a whirl?

If so, you could be one of the estimated 5 per cent of Australians who will experience a vestibular disorder episode.

It's unpredictable and invisible and can affect people of all ages but is predominant in older people, with more women affected than men.

A vestibular disorder is one where temporary or permanent damage to the vestibular system, which controls balance, results in dysfunction.

This damage can be caused by many things: a blow to the head or ear; excess fluid in the inner ear; the displacement of inner ear crystals; malformation of the inner ear structure; disease or infection; toxic chemicals; a tumorous growth.

Because of the complexity of the vestibular system there are a great number of causes of dizziness and loss of balance, which require expert diagnosis and treatment.

Major vestibular disorders include Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, secondary endolymphatic hydrops, labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis, and vestibular migraine.

Inner ear vestibular symptoms are distressing, life changing and often chronic in nature.

People talk of experiencing sensations such as spinning, light headedness, dizzy spells, unsteadiness and loss of balance, tinnitus (buzzing or ringing in the ear), hearing loss, fullness or pressure in the ear, and blurry or jumpy vision.

Vertigo is a special type of dizziness where you feel the world is spinning around you, much like getting off a merry-go-round and trying to stand upright.

People experiencing any of these symptoms should consult their medical practitioner.

Depending on the type of vestibular disorder, treatments may include medication, head repositioning manoeuvres, surgery, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, dietary changes and other lifestyle changes such as reducing stress.

Whirled Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation providing information and support to those with vestibular disorders. It can put you in touch with medical professionals, show you how to manage symptoms, offer resources to help you live day to day with your condition, and put you in touch with others living with and managing the same condition.