Balance, Dizziness, and Vertigo

The most common cause of vertigo, effecting 50% of the people over the age of 70. It is a mechanical problem in the inner ear characterized by brief episodes of vertigo with changes in head position. The episodes of true vertigo is approximately seconds to one minute in duration but can be accompanied by a general feeling of dizziness and imbalance outside of the episodes of vertigo.

Three main systems are used to maintain balance, eyes, inner ear and sense of touch in the feet. Problems with any those three systems or the central nervous system that processes, integrates and transmits those signals can cause a general sense of unsteadiness or imbalance with standing or walking. According to American bone health, every year, more than 30% of U.S. adults 65 and older fall. Falls are the leading cause of death in this age group and in 2005, 1.8 million people were treated in hospital ERs for non-fatal falls. Direct medical costs added up to 179 million for fatal falls and 19 billion for fall related injuries. Falls can be preventable so proper assessment, therapy and preventative measure can prevent a life changing fall and improve overall balance.

Much like vestibular neuritis, the acute phase of this problem is characterized by an abrupt onset of vertigo lasting hours to days often accompanied by nausea and emesis. This pathology is caused by a viral or bacterial infection of the inner ear structures also considered to be an inner ear infection. The course and resolution of the condition is identical to vestibular neuritis accept, unlike vestibular neuritis, this pathology also affects the hearing portion of the inner ear and the episode of vertigo is accompanied by hearing loss.

A rocking or swaying sensation felt after exposure to prolonged motion such as a cruise or flight. Typically, the symptoms will not be long lasting but in a subsection of the population, therapy is warranted to return the brain and body back to resting state. Heavily linked to migraine history.

Episodic pathology characterized by fluctuating hearing, tinnitus, vertigo and fullness of the ear. The duration of the symptoms varies but the vertigo typically lasts from 20 minutes to 24 hours. The pathology is caused by too much inner ear fluid and a mixing of the inner ear fluids that should not mix. This pathology can be progressive in nature and can be managed by an Ear Nose and Throat physician.

Typically thought of as an intense headache, migraine can affect and cause many more symptoms than just a headache. About 40 percent of people who have migraines also experience dizziness or balance problems, which can accompany a migraine or occur at a totally separate time, according to VEDA. Migraines are highly associated with multiple inner ear pathologies. Inner ear evaluation can lead to a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Abrupt onset of vertigo that can last hours to days in duration. Often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. This pathology is caused by a viral infection of the vestibular nerve, often thought of as an inner ear infection. After the resolution of the initial long episode of vertigo the symptoms become less severe, but symptoms still exist in a different manner with blurred vision with head movements, a general lightheadedness and imbalance. Although the virus can cause permanent damage to the inner ear structure, with identification through comprehensive testing and a therapy regimen, it is possible to make a full recovery.