Dizziness

Dizziness

Dizziness

Dizziness is light-headedness, feeling like you might faint, being unsteady, loss of balance, or vertigo (a feeling that you or the room is spinning or moving).

Most causes of dizziness are not serious and either quickly get better on their own or are easily treated.

Balance Receptors

Deep inside the head is the inner ear, which contains 3 small, fluid-filled structures called the semicircular canals (ducts). Each duct has a swelling at the end called the ampulla. Within the ampulla are tiny "balance" receptors called crista.

Common Causes

The most common causes of vertigo are benign positional vertigo and labyrinthitis. Benign positional vertigo is vertigo that happens when you change the position of your head. Labyrinthitis usually follows a cold or flu and is caused by a viral infection of the inner ear. Meniere's disease is another common inner ear problem. It causes vertigo, loss of balance, and ringing in the ears.

Balance

If you are having difficulty with your balance we encourage you to make an appointment.

Balance Quiz

Balance Quiz

Do you get a feeling of motion, spinning, or falling when moving your head quickly, or changing your position, e.g. getting in and out of bed?

  Yes   No

Is it uncomfortable trying to get around in the dark?

  Yes   No

Does walking down grocery store aisles or looking through the mail unsettling?

  Yes   No

Do you feel your feet do not go where you want them to?

  Yes   No

Do you consistently feel unsteady or unstable?

  Yes   No

Do you have a fear of falling or stumbling?

  Yes   No

Do moving objects or looking out the side window of a car make you queasy?

  Yes   No

Do changes in your walking surface affect your balance? e. g. is it harder to walk on soft surfaces than on hard surfaces?

  Yes   No

Do you ever feel you are drifting or being pulled to one side when walking?

  Yes   No

If you answered yes to any of these questions your balance system may not be functioning properly.

Causes of Dizziness

Causes of Dizziness

Learn more about the symptoms, exams, and treatment of dizziness.

• Meniere's Disease
• Labyrinthitis
• Vertigo-Associated Disorders
• Benign Positional Vertigo