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Health Corner

Common Balance Problems

Dizziness has many causes and your treatment will depend on the type of dizziness or balance problem you have. Below are brief descriptions of various common balance  problems related to the inner ear and their treatment.

A type of inner ear disorder, causes dizziness to occur abruptly when you move your head up and down, or, for example, when you turn over in bed. These symptoms fade within a few seconds. Special exercises and positioning techniques can reduce the symptoms you may experience with BPV.

Is marked by severe, periodic attacks of vertigo hours, months or even years apart. Vertigo is the sensation of spinning, and symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, “roaring” in the ears and hearing loss. The cause of Meniere’s disease is not known. Treatment may include following a special diet and taking medications to relieve most symptoms. If symptoms of Meniere’s disease are severe, surgery may be recommended.

Inner ear problems other than Meniere’s disease usually require no specific treatment. Your health care provider may encourage you to return to normal activities. Your brain will adapt to the changes in your inner ear and symptoms gradually lessen. Continuing your normal activity is important. It may take longer to recover from dizziness and other balance problems if you are inactive.

If tests show that you have problems with balance that affect both ears (bilateral inner ear dysfunction), you will need to learn to rely on your vision and muscle responses in order to keep your balance. Be careful when you are in certain environments such as swimming under water, walking in the dark, or walking on unfamiliar surfaces.

Many dizziness and balance problems are caused by problems within your inner ear. Problems in any part of the system that controls your balance can cause dizziness. Treatment can usually help relieve the symptoms of the most types of dizziness and imbalance. Maintaining fitness may lessen the symptoms of balance problems. Professional counseling or community support groups may help you deal with feelings of annoyance, frustration and anxiety that can accompany your sense of dizziness or imbalance.

Resource: Mayo Clinic pamphlet