Balance Problems

The many etiologies of dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo include medications, inner ear inflammation or increased fluid pressure, inner ear weakness, loose particles in the inner ear (Benign Positional Vertigo), visual problems, joint problems, migraine or neurological conditions.  These are just a few.  The physicians and audiologist work together to try to determine the cause, particularly to determine if the symptoms are coming from the inner ear balance canals – the vestibular system.  Besides hearing testing, vestibular testing (VNG), or positional testing may be performed.  If Benign Positional Vertigo is found it is usually treated successfully with a positional maneuver called the Epley Maneuver.  Once diagnosed, the patient can learn to perform this at home (Benign Positional Vertigo instruction).  A migraine condition can also be associated with vertigo that may be controlled with the implementation of a migraine diet (Migraine Diet).  If another cause for vertigo/dizziness is found then appropriate treatment can begin.  Sometimes further evaluation with an MRI scan or by a neurologist is needed.