Balance disorders are categorized by point of origin. Peripheral vestibular disorders originate in the inner ear. They include fluid balance disorders as well as destructive or inflammatory conditions, such as labyrinthitis or vestibular neuronitis (a sudden attack of severe vertigo that often follows a respiratory infection), and tumors such as acoustic neuromas. Some disorders cause episodic problems with balance, while others result in chronic symptoms. Hearing loss and tinnitus may or may not accompany the balance problem. To learn more about the most common types of balance disorders click on each of the links below. For the two most frequently seen examples, benign positional vertigo and Meniere's disease, more detailed information is provided.