Back Shoulders Joints Balance Head&Neck Wellness FAQ's Understanding Dizziness, Vertigo and Balance Specific questions about your dizziness or balance problems? Schedule a free consultation in our office by calling us at 920.233.8739 or click here. What is dizziness? Dizziness is a term used to describe a variety of sensations such as vertigo (spinning) imbalance, perception of swimming or floating and light-headedness. These symptoms may be mild and occur occasionally in some people while others experience constant, severe dizziness. More than 40% of people over the age of fourty experience dizziness at some time in their lives. It is a common reason for physician visits. What causes dizziness? Dizziness can result form a variety of disorders including cardiovascular disease, low blood pressure, central nervous system disorders and side effects from medications. Disorders of the vestibular syatem (inner ear and certain parts of the brain) are a source of dizziness and imbalance for many people. Vestibular disorders can result from blows to the head, whiplash, ear infections and changes in blood flow to the brain and/or inner ear (stroke). Medications such as certain antibiotics or diuretics can also cause damage to the inner ear. In many cases, the cause of damage is unknown. Even though people often associate vestibular disorders with vertigo and dizziness, serious vestibular disorders can be present without these symptoms. Impaired balance, headaches and blurred vision with head movements may result from vestibular disorders. When experienced over a long period of time, these symptoms can result in anxiety, depression and physical deconditioning. How are dizziness and poor balance treated? Dizziness due to vestibular disorders is frequently treated with medication. Patients are often told they may have to live with their symptoms. Due to advances in testing of vestibular function and improved understanding of balance disorders, other treatment options are now available. Vestibular rehabilitation is a very effective way to treat these disorders. Therapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation work with ENT (ear, nose and throat doctors), Neurologists, Family Practice and Internal Medicine physicians to determine the cause of the dizziness or imbalance. Treatment may include exercises that can eliminate the cause of the symptoms and help the brain adapt to abnormal signals. The type of treatment program varies depending on diagnosis and symptoms. Many individuals experience complete elimination of symptoms in 1-3 treatments while others see improvement over 6-8 weeks. It is important to realize that the wrong type of treatment will delay progress and may worsen symptoms. Common Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders • Vertigo • General Dizziness • Dizziness with head motion • Motion sickness with nausea • Dizziness with looking up or down • Dizziness with rolling in bed or lying down • Poor vision with head movements • Poor balance • Loss of balance in dim light • Ringing in ears Problems caused by vestibular disorders and poor balance • Increased risk of falling • Fear of falling • Loss of strength and endurance • Fatigue • Anxiety • Depression Disorders or injuries involving the vestibular system • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo • Meniere’s disease • Partial or complete loss of vestibular function • Vestibular neuritis • Labyrinthitis • Brain injury • Skull fractures • Stroke If you have ongoing dizziness, seek medical attention. Click here to get started.