Balance is more than just about harmony and tranquility. Physical balance is essential to prevent injuries and maintain stability while moving. Athletes pursue exceptional balance for gravity-defying feats, while older adults rely on it for mobility.

Your balance is important, and so is recognizing the signs that you may have a disorder affecting it.

IN THIS ARTICLE...

1. What creates balance in the body?
2. What are symptoms of an inner ear balance disorder?
3. What inner ear disorders affect your sense of balance?
4. Diagnosing an inner ear balance disorder

What creates balance in the body?

Balance isn’t controlled by a single body part, but by the coordination of several systems. Collectively known as the balance system, these components include the eyes, inner ears, muscles and joints, and the brain.

The inner ear contains five organs that send nerve signals to the brain based on your movement. Both your inner ears and the brain centers they communicate with are referred to as the vestibular system.

What are symptoms of an inner ear balance disorder?

When your vestibular system is affected by illness, disease, or injury, your sense of balance can be impacted. Warning signs that you may have an inner ear disorder can include:

• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Vertigo (sense of spinning)
• Blurry vision
• Lightheadedness

Dr. Daniel Morrison, a CEENTA neurotologist who practices at our SouthPark office, explains how important it is to recognize these signs. “Balance disorders can be difficult and significantly reduce a patient's quality of life. It is critical to have a proper diagnosis to receive effective treatment and clinical improvement.”

What inner ear disorders affect your sense of balance?

Some notable types of inner ear balance disorders are:

Ménière's disease

Although the specific cause of this condition could be due to constricted blood vessels in the ear, excess inner ear fluid, infections, or genetic predisposition, Ménière's disease is commonly associated with vertigo and tinnitus.

Treatment options for Ménière's disease may include dietary changes, medications, and even surgical removal of fluid in the ear.

Vestibular migraine

Often misdiagnosed and poorly understood, vestibular migraine is an extremely common cause of dizziness, off-balance sensations, and room-spinning vertigo. The diagnosis is not dependent on the presence of headache and is often mistaken as other causes of dizziness. This condition tends to have a genetic basis, is more common in women, and is treated by managing triggers (e.g., foods, stress, and sleep) and occasionally with medications.

Labyrinthitis

Known for creating inner ear inflammation, this balance disorder limits the vestibular system’s ability to send proper signals to the brain. The root cause of labyrinthitis is most commonly a viral infection and is often treated with steroids.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

If you have noticed yourself getting dizzy just from lifting your head off the pillow, it could be a sign of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. This common disorder is more prevalent in older patients or individuals who have previously injured their head. BPPV can resolve on its own but may require a repositioning maneuver in some cases.

Diagnosing an inner ear balance disorder

If you’ve been feeling off-balance for some time, it could be due to an underlying medical issue. CEENTA’s ENT physicians and audiologists can help with an accurate diagnosis. From thorough examinations and imaging to VNG balance tests, our specialists can give you both the answers and treatment options you need to feel centered again.

To schedule your balance test and exam with CEENTA today, call 704-295-3000.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician.