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Balance Disorders and Treatments
What are Balance Disorders?
Balance disorders involve conditions where you might feel unsteady on your feet or generally dizzy 24/7. They can range from mild and inconvenient to severe and disabling which causes trouble with climbing stairs, walking, and generally other day-to-day tasks. Although they’re more common in older populations, they’re increasingly noted in younger demographic groups, especially those with histories of anxiety.
Common Balance Disorders and Causes
- benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Meniere’s Disease
- vestibular neuritis/inflammation
- head trauma
- medication side effects
- anxiety and fear
- other unaddressed emotional concerns and issues
Common Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders
- feelings of movement while standing still
- room-spinning sensations
- tinnitus/ringing in the ears
- feelings of floatiness
- lightheadedness
- blurred vision
- general anxiety (mild or severe)
- feelings of helplessness and fear
How Are Balance Disorders Treated?
Treatment for balance issues take many forms, depending on the cause. Treatment options include:
- Medications (antihistamines, sedatives, antibiotics or steroids)
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Repositioning exercises
- Vestibular retraining programs
- Lifestyle modifications (such as dietary changes and elimination of alcohol and nicotine)
