Department of Otolaryngology
Conditions We Treat
Balance Disorders/Dizziness
What are Balance Disorders?
A person may be suffering from a balance disorder when he/she
suffers repeated episodes of dizziness, or has trouble orienting
themselves after rising suddenly. A balance disorder can be caused
by a number of things, including illness, injury, other medical
conditions, medication or aging, but typically involves a problem
or injury of the inner ear.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of a balance disorder may include:
See your doctor immediately if you also experience any of the
following:
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
- Hearing loss
- Impaired speech
- Numbness
- Chest pain
Causes of Balance Disorders or Dizziness
A balance disorder or dizziness may have a variety of causes.
Following are some of the more common causes:
- Vertigo - a sense of movement caused by a
problem in the inner ear
- Inner ear - inflammation or infection of the
inner ear
- Meniere's Disease -
disease involving a buildup of fluid in the inner ear
- Acoustic neuroma - a benign growth on the
acoustic nerve, located in the inner ear
- Blood pressure - a sudden drop in blood pressure
can cause dizziness and/or loss of balance
- Changes in motion - dizziness can occur from
riding an airplane, a rollercoaster, or any time you change directions
suddenly
- Other medical conditions - other conditions
such as arrhythmia, common cold, or even pregnancy have been
known to cause dizziness
Diagnosing Balance Disorders
If you experience symptoms and seek medical attention, you doctor
will review your symptoms and your medical history and complete
a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms. He/she
will ask questions in order to determine the sort of dizziness
you are experiencing and any contributing factors. Additional
tests may be prescribed depending upon your particular symptoms.
Treatment Options
Treatment will depend upon the cause of the dizziness. Treatment
options may include:
-
Canalith repositioning - This is a simple, non-invasive
procedure your doctor may perform to treat vertigo. It is about
90% effective.
- Antibiotics - medication may be used to clear
up inner ear infections
- Lifestyle changes - treating Meniere's disease
may reuire sharp reduction in fluids and a low-salt diet
- Surgery - occasionally
required to treat Meniere's disease or to remove a growth
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