Dizziness and Balance Disorders
Balance problems are common in the U.S., especially amongst older generations. An estimated 80% of Americans 65 and older have experienced dizziness or vertigo, issues which put many seniors at risk of dangerous falls. While dizziness and balance problems can result from many different causes, vestibular (inner-ear) disorders are one of the most common culprits.
Understanding Vertigo
There are two main types of vertigo: subjective and objective. Subjective vertigo causes people to feel as though they are spinning around in space. Those with objective vertigo, on the other hand, feel as though they are standing still while their surroundings are turning around them.
Vertigo often begins suddenly and may vary in intensity. It may be constant, though more often it comes and goes intermittently. Vertigo is often mistaken for lightheadedness, which is a feeling that you are going to lose consciousness or pass out. This feeling is not caused by an inner-ear problem but, rather, is due to a lack of oxygen flowing to the brain.
Symptoms of a Vestibular Disorder
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Tinnitus
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Hearing loss
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Ear pain
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Loss of balance
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Difficulty moving about in the dark
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Nausea and vomiting
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Trouble focusing
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Fullness in the ear
Diagnosing and Treating Vertigo
Vertigo itself is a symptom rather than a condition, so treatment varies patient to patient. If you visit Indiana Ear for a problem with dizziness or vertigo, we will begin with a vestibular assessment. During this process, we will gather information about the various factors that cause your vertigo. Along with vestibular testing, your physician may recommend a CT scan or MRI to gather more information. Based upon this, we will be able to determine a diagnosis for your problem. Common diagnoses include:
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Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
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Meniere’s Disease
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Labyrinthitis
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Neuronitis
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Acoustic Neuroma
Once we’ve determined the cause of your vertigo, Dr. Disher will work in conjunction with our audiology team to develop the best treatment plan for your individual needs. Some issues, like BPPV, can typically be addressed with a simple therapy program. Other issues may need more in-depth medical or surgical treatment to relieve your symptoms.