Abnormal or decreased function of the balance portion of the labyrinthine sensors of the inner ear.

The labyrinth is the innermost part of the ear. As the name implies, the labyrinth is a maze of interconnected fluid-filled sacs and tubes enclosed in a thick bone located near the base of the skull. It is less than a half inch (1.25 cm) across and houses two important organs – the cochlea and the vestibular system. The snail-shell shaped cochlea sends sounds to the brain and is responsible for hearing while the vestibular system that looks like a gyroscope sends information to the brain about the position and movement of the head which is necessary for your sense of balance. When positioning information doesn’t match between the eye and the brain, the brain will have a problem interpreting the situation and this often leads to vertigo or the sensation that you’re spinning and moving even though you are standing still.