A balance disorder is a condition marked by the symptoms of\nfeeling unsteady or dizzy. Even while standing, lying or sitting still, a\nperson with a balance disorder will feel as if they are moving, spinning or\nfloating. While walking, people may feel as if they are tipping over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Primary symptoms include dizziness or a spinning sensation\n(vertigo), falling or feeling as if you are going to fall, lightheadedness,\nfaintness, a floating sensation, blurred vision, confusion or disorientation.\nOther symptoms include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, changes in heart rate and\nblood pressure, fear and anxiety or panic attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These disorders can be caused by anything that affects the\ninner ear or the brain such as medications, ear infections or head injuries.\nThe risk for balance disorders increases as people get older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Most Common Balance Disorders? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)\ninvolves brief but intense periods of vertigo that are triggered by specific\nchanges in head position. It occurs when tiny crystals in the otolith organs\nbecome dislodged and migrate to the semicircular canals. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Meniere\u2019s disease is a chronic condition that\ncauses vertigo, tinnitus, fullness in the ear and fluctuating hearing loss that\nmay eventually become permanent. Meniere\u2019s is usually confined to one ear and\nthough its cause is unknown it may be the result of abnormal fluid buildup in\nthe inner ear. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner\near usually caused by an infection. Its symptoms include vertigo, temporary\nhearing loss and tinnitus.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How Are Balance Disorders Treated? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In order to determine the appropriate treatment plan for\nyou, your audiologist will need to evaluate and diagnose your symptoms.Once determined, your audiologist will\ntarget the underlying condition in order to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.\nOptions include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Medications (antihistamines, sedatives,\nantibiotics or steroids).<\/li>
Physical or occupational therapy.<\/li>
Surgery.<\/li>
Repositioning exercises.<\/li>
Vestibular retraining programs.<\/li>
Lifestyle modifications (such as dietary changes\nand elimination of alcohol and nicotine).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n