There are many parts of your body that work together to help you balance, including your eyes, ears, nerves in the feet and spine, and the brain. If there is an issue with one of these, you’re likely to experience dizziness, vertigo, balance problems and falls. Be sure to schedule an appointment with a physician right away if you’re feeling dizzy in order to prevent an injury caused by a fall.
Below are some common causes of dizziness.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Within the inner ear is a complicated system of canals filled with fluid. The fluid moves in the ears as you move through space, which sends signals to the brain to help you balance and orient yourself. If you have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), it means there are tiny pieces of calcium loose in the canals sending incorrect signals to the brain. This triggers vertigo, the sensation that you’re spinning or the room is moving around you.
Fortunately, there is a simple series of head and body movements that can be performed to remove the calcium crystals called the Epley maneuver. This can be taught to you in a doctor’s office and repeated in the comfort of your home.
Infection of the Inner Ear
Another cause of dizziness and vertigo is inflammation of the nerves in your ears. There are two types: Vestibular neuritis refers to inflammation of the vestibular nerve, and labyrinthitis is inflammation of both the vestibular nerve and the cochlear nerve. Usually a virus or bacterial infection is to blame.
If your infection cannot be treated by antibiotics, medications to relieve dizziness may be prescribed until the virus passes.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease in an inner ear disorder where there is too much fluid in the ear. This triggers episodes of hearing loss, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the ear and dizziness. Many people feel fatigued after an episode.
Unfortunately, this condition is not very well understood and there is no cure. A doctor may recommend a low-sodium diet and medications for managing nausea to ease symptoms.
For more information about the causes of dizziness or to schedule an appointment, call the experts at Timpanogos Hearing & Balance today.
