Balance Disorders

What are balance disorders?

Balance disorders are a group of conditions that cause you to feel unsteady or dizzy. If you have a balance disorder, you might feel like you’re spinning, floating, or moving, even when sitting completely still.

Everyone gets dizzy from time to time, but if your symptoms persist for days or even weeks, it may point to a more serious underlying health problem. Early intervention and treatment can minimize the uncomfortable symptoms of balance disorders and help you return to your favorite activities. 

What are the symptoms of balance disorders?

Common symptoms of balance disorders include:

• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Disorientation or confusion
• Lightheadedness
• Staggering when trying to walk

As balance disorders progress, you might also experience falls or the feeling that you’re going to fall.

What are some common balance disorders?

At South Valley Neurology, the team treats a variety of balance disorders, including:

Positional vertigo

Positional vertigo causes brief, intense periods of dizziness. Typically, symptoms occur after changing the position of your head. For example, you might feel as though the room is spinning if you look down at the floor or out the window. Positional vertigo can occur due to a head injury or as a result of the natural aging process.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is a balance disorder that occurs due to an infection of your inner ear. Over time, the inflammation triggers dizziness and a loss of balance. Many people experience labyrinthitis following an upper respiratory infection like the common cold or seasonal flu.

Ménière's disease

Ménière's disease is a balance disorder that triggers episodes of hearing loss, vertigo, and ringing in your ears. Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes the condition, but it’s thought that changes in the fluid volume of your inner ear play a role. 

Perilymph fistula

If fluid from your inner ear leaks into your middle ear, you might develop perilymph fistula. This balance disorder causes feelings of unsteadiness, dizziness, and ultimately, nausea. Common causes of perilymph fistula include chronic ear infections, head injuries, and dramatic changes in air pressure. 

How are balance disorders treated?

At South Valley Neurology, the team develops custom treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs. After pinpointing the source of your discomfort, they might recommend:  

• Dietary changes
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medication
• At-home exercises

If conservative measures of care don’t ease your symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary.

To receive all-inclusive care for balance disorders, schedule an appointment at South Valley Neurology. Call the office to schedule an appointment today.