Along with dizziness, there can be other symptoms of a balance disorder. You may feel like you’re going to tip over while you’re walking. Or you may feel a sensation that the room is spinning, which is often referred to as vertigo. For other signs and symptoms, see the sidebar on this page.
What causes balance disorders?
Most of the time, balance disorders are caused by problems with the vestibular system, which refers to the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. Balance problems often resolve on their own over time, but sometimes they persist. It may be diffi cult to function with a balance disorder, and the disorder can lead to dangerous falls and injuries. Also, in some cases, symptoms commonly associated with balance disorders can be a sign of heart, circulatory or other problems. Or they can be related to medications you are taking.
What treatments are available?
The Balance Center at Northwest provides individualized evaluation and treatment plans for people suffering with balance disorders. One treatment approach, known as positioning therapy, guides patients through a series of maneuvers to reposition calcium crystals in the inner ear that often cause balance problems.
Other therapies and exercises may be offered to help patients strengthen weaknesses in the balance system and develop other abilities to compensate for those weaknesses.