Have you experienced dizziness, queasiness, or the inability to stand for more than a few seconds at a time? Have you felt the sensation of spinning or falling even while sitting or lying down? If so, you may be suffering from a balance disorder.
Common Symptoms
· Vertigo (spinning or falling) while standing or sometimes while sitting or lying down
· Blurred vision
· Wooziness (feeling like you’re on a boat)
· Lightheadedness
· Disorientation or feeling confused
· Nausea
Common Causes
· Issues in the central or peripheral vestibular disorder (the inner ear or the brain centers controlling the inner ears)
· Damage to the vascular system (controls the flow of blood to the brain)
· Problems in the brain or its connecting nerves
· Head injury
· Health conditions such as arthritis or eye muscle imbalance
Common Balance Disorders
· Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BVPP) — A sudden, severe vertigo episode that happens when you change the position of your head.
· Labyrinthitis — Happens when the inner ear becomes infected or inflamed and causes loss of balance or dizziness.
· Mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) — A balance problem that happens after a cruise or sea travel.
· Vestibular neuritis — Occurs when the vestibular nerve becomes inflamed, usually by a virus.
· Meniere’s disease — When the fluid volume within the labyrinth changes. This disorder is usually associated with tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss.
· Perilymph fistula — When fluid from the inner ear leaks into the middle ear.
Some balance disorders can be treated without surgery. Vestibular rehabilitation, for example, is a balance disorder treatment that uses balance retaining exercises. Some disorders, however, such as Meniere’s disease, may require surgery to correct, especially if the vertigo attacks are severe and debilitating.
At Ohio Head and Neck Surgeons, we understand your concerns when seeking diagnosis and treatment options for Ear, Nose, and Throat injuries and diseases. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our quality ENT specialists. For more information on scheduling click here.
To prepare for your first appointment, you can also visit our New Patients page to find important forms you will need at your appointment including registration and health history.
