Balance Problems

Overview

Mayo Clinic specialists treat hundreds of patients each year for balance disorders. There are many types of balance problems, which can be caused by different medical conditions. Mayo Clinic uses a team of specialists to identify the source of the problem and the best treatment approach. The source of many balance problems is the vestibular system or inner ear. Mayo is well regarded for its state-of-the-art assessment of inner ear disorders and its vestibular rehabilitation treatment programs. Mayo Clinic has an excellent patient education program for balance problems and conducts cutting-edge research in its Vestibular/Balance Laboratory.

Diagnosis

Mayo offers the latest in screening and diagnostic services for balance problems. Because the body systems that maintain balance are quite complex, specialists in internal medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology (ENT – ear, nose and throat), audiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation work with the patient's primary physician during diagnosis and treatment. Patients have access to sophisticated vestibular and balance tests. Read more about balance problem diagnosis.

Treatment Options

In a large percentage of cases, balance problems are caused by the vestibular system or inner ear. Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise program designed by specially trained therapists to help compensate for a loss or imbalance within the vestibular system. Additional causes of balance problems include medications, poor vision, gait and balance disorders and other medical conditions, from a drop in blood pressure to brain tumors. Health care team members discuss the most appropriate treatment approach with the patient. Read more about balance problem treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Balance Problems

Normal balance requires the integration of three sensory systems: visual, vestibular (found in the inner ear), and somatosensory (sensations from the skin, muscles, tendons and joints) — in addition to muscle strength. When these systems are not functioning well, individuals may experience episodes of spinning, light-headedness, trouble focusing their eyes and/or poor balance or falls.

Aging can also affect balance. Approximately 40 percent of people older than age 65 fall each year. Most escape serious injury, but fear of falling will cause them to limit their activities.

Vertigo is the most common form of dizziness. Although dizziness can have many causes, true vertigo is usually due to a problem in the inner ear. It can be caused by inflammation, Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal (par-ok-SIZ-mul) positional vertigo (BPPV), certain medications or a multitude of other conditions.

Read more at www.MayoClinic.com, a service of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research