What Causes Dizziness and Balance Disorders?

A balance disorder is an ailment that makes you feel dizzy or unsteady, creating the sensation of spinning or floating or moving. And while abbreviated or minor episodes of dizziness are common and no cause for concern, more severe sensations of spinning (vertigo) or long term dizzy spells should be assessed.

In conjunction with dizziness, you may also encounter other symptoms including nausea, variations in heart rate, anxiety, or panic. Again, if these symptoms are especially severe or prolonged, it’s wise to seek out professional care.

The types and causes of balance disorders are diverse, but before we get to that, let’s briefly review how the body normally sustains its sense of balance.

How the body maintains its balance

We take the body’s capacity to maintain balance for granted because it normally works effortlessly behind-the-scenes. But when you give it some thought, maintaining balance is really an incredible feat.

Even in motion, your body is able to perceive its position and make corrections to hold your body upright, while requiring little to any conscious regulation. Even if you close your eyes, and take away all visual signs, you can precisely sense the position of your head as you shift it up or down, left or right.

That’s because your vestibular system—the array of organs and structures in your inner ear—can sense any alterations in your head position, sending nerve signals to alert your brain of the change.

Structures in the inner ear referred to as semicircular canals include three fluid-filled ducts positioned at approximately right angles to each other. When you move your head, the fluid moves along with it, stimulating the nerve cells that send the information to your brain.

This, combined with visual cues and musculoskeletal sensory information, signals the brain to precise modifications in head and body position.

Common balance disorders and causes

Balance disorders are the result of a dysfunction within the vestibular system or with the brain and its ability to evaluate and use the information.

Balance disorders can for that reason be caused by anything that affects the inner ear or brain. This list includes, but is not restricted to, medications, benign tumors, ear infections, head injuries, low blood pressure or other heart conditions, and some neurological conditions.

Common balance disorders include Meniere's Disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Labyrinthitis, Vestibular Neuronitis, along with many others. Each disorder has its own unique causes and symptoms and can be diagnosed only by a professional.

Diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders

The diagnosis and treatment of any balance disorder begins by ruling out any medical conditions or medications that may be producing the symptoms. You might need to change medications or seek out treatment for any underlying heart, neurological, or musculoskeletal condition.

If your balance problem is due to issues with the inner ear, such as with Meniere’s Disease, treatment may include things like nutritional and lifestyle changes, physical manipulations of the head, or medications to minimize the symptoms. Your healthcare provider can provide additional information specific to your condition and symptoms.