Balance disorder

A balance disorder is a disturbance that makes a person feel unsteady. You might feel woozy or dizzy while standing or walking. Some people feel like they are spinning or floating. This can also cause disorientation or trouble recognizing objects. It might even make it hard to pay attention. This happens because balance relies on three main systems working together. Your eyes provide sight. Your vestibular system in your ears senses movement. Finally, proprioception helps your body know where it is in space.

One common problem is called BPPV. This stands for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. It is the most frequent cause of a spinning sensation. This happens when tiny calcium crystals called otoconia move to the wrong place. These crystals usually stay in the utricle and saccule. These are parts of the ear used to sense movement. If they fall into the semicircular canals, they cause trouble. They create a mismatch between your head movement and your brain. This makes you feel like you are spinning.

Many different things can cause balance issues. Low blood pressure can make you feel faint or lightheaded. This is sometimes called presyncope. Brain injuries, such as a stroke, can also cause problems. Brain tumors or migraines might lead to dizziness and nausea. Some people have damage to both inner ears. This is called bilateral vestibular damage. Scientists found that this can cause the hippocampus to shrink. The hippocampus is a part of the brain used for memory.

Doctors use many ways to find the cause of balance trouble. It can be hard to find the right answer. In some groups, one-third of patients see more than one doctor. Some people even see more than fifteen doctors. To help, therapists use special tests. They might use the Berg Balance Scale or the Timed Up and Go test. These tests help them see how a person moves. They can also use the Functional Reach Test. These tools provide data to help make a plan.

There are many ways to help people feel steady again. Some people do balance training with a therapist. This helps with body alignment and walking. Tai chi is another way to help prevent falls in older people. Doctors also treat the main cause, like an ear infection. Scientists at the NIDCD are still studying these problems. They look at eye movements to understand aging and injury. They want to find better ways to treat these disorders. This research helps us understand how the brain and ears work together.