• Share on:

  • Print

Balance Problems

Types

There are many types of balance problems, which can be caused by different medical conditions.

Vertigo (A sense of motion or spinning)

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This form of vertigo is caused by particles that break off and accumulate behind a membrane in the inner ear canal.
  • Meniere's disease. Excessive fluid buildup in the inner ear can cause sudden vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and buzzing, ringing or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
  • Vestibular migraine. This type of headache causes sensitivity to motion and dizziness that may be triggered by turning the head quickly, being in a crowded or confusing place, or driving and riding in a vehicle.
  • Acoustic neuroma. An acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous (benign) growth on the acoustic nerve (which connects the inner ear to the brain). Symptoms may include dizziness, loss of balance, hearing loss and tinnitus.
  • Motion sickness. This type of dizziness can occur while riding in boats, cars and airplanes, or on amusement park rides.
  • Inflammation. Swelling in the inner ear can cause vertigo.

Feeling faint (presyncope)

  • Blood pressure drop (orthostatic hypotension). A major drop in the higher number of a blood pressure reading (systolic pressure) can occur after standing or sitting up too quickly.
  • Inadequate blood flow from the heart. Conditions such as partially blocked blood vessels (atherosclerosis), heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) or a decrease in blood volume can reduce blood flow.

Loss of balance (disequilibrium)

  • Inner ear (vestibular) problems. Abnormalities in the inner ear can cause a sensation of a floating or heavy head, and unsteadiness in the dark.
  • Balance disorders. Failing vision and nerve damage in the legs (peripheral neuropathy) are common in older adults and can cause balance problems.
  • Joint and muscle problems. Muscle weakness and the wear and tear of arthritis on weight-bearing joints can contribute to loss of balance.
  • Medications. Loss of balance can be a side effect from seizure drugs, sedatives and tranquilizers or overmedication.

Light-headedness

  • Inner ear (vestibular) disorders. Abnormalities of the inner ear can lead to a false sense of motion and a sensation of floating.
  • Anxiety disorders. Panic attacks and a fear of leaving home or being in large, open spaces (agoraphobia) may cause light-headedness.
  • Hyperventilation. Abnormally rapid breathing typically accompanies anxiety disorders and may cause a feeling of light-headedness.

Read more about dizziness, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease and orthostatic hypotension on MayoClinic.com.

  • Share on:

  • Print

Find Mayo Clinic on


Terms of Use and Information Applicable to this Site
Copyright ©2001-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved.

.