Vestibular & Balance Disorders

Dizziness and imbalance are common symptoms that affect people of all ages. They are among the leading reasons for emergency room visits and follow-up appointments with primary care providers. People often describe dizziness as a spinning sensation (vertigo), lightheadedness, disorientation, a tilting or rocking feeling or general unsteadiness while walking. These symptoms often originate from issues within the vestibular system—a network of tiny canals in the inner ear responsible for sensing motion, balance and spatial orientation.

Our dedicated team provides comprehensive care for patients experiencing dizziness and imbalance. We offer state-of-the-art vestibular diagnostic testing through our partnership with the American Institute of Balance (AIB), ensuring access to the most advanced technology and protocols available.

Our highly trained specialists, supervised by certified and licensed audiologists, are experienced in evaluating complex balance disorders and crafting personalized treatment plans. Backed by the expertise of the physicians and surgeons at Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, P.C., we are uniquely equipped to diagnose and manage advanced ear and vestibular conditions, providing complete care for your balance health.

Dizziness, a blanket term used to describe any feeling of unsteadiness, is one of the leading health complaints in the United States, affecting an estimated nine million people annually. For those over the age of 70, it’s the top reason for a visit to the doctor’s office.

What Are the Causes of Dizziness?  

Dizziness is the result of your brain receiving false signals from the balance system (comprised of the inner ear, eyes and sensory nerves). It senses movement and overcompensates, leading to a spinning sensation, weakness and faintness.

There are many possible causes of dizziness, including migraines, low blood pressure, anemia, dehydration, heat-related disorders, endocrine system disorders (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disease), heart conditions, high blood pressure, viral and bacterial infections, head trauma, hyperventilation, neurological disorders and certain medications.

What Other Symptoms Are Associated with Dizziness?

Patients who experience dizziness report a variety of symptoms depending on the exact nature of their balance disorder. These include:

• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Unsteadiness
• Weakness
• Vertigo (the sensation of movement in your surroundings)
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Blurred vision

How Is Dizziness Treated?

Treatment for dizziness takes many forms, depending on the cause. Your doctor will try to target the underlying condition to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.

Options include medications (antihistamines, sedatives, antibiotics, steroids), physical or occupational therapy, surgery, repositioning exercises, vestibular retraining programs and lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and elimination of alcohol and nicotine.

Diagnostic Balance Testing

With such a wide range of hearing and balance disorders, many of which have similar symptoms, it’s important for an audiologist to make an accurate diagnosis to come up with a successful treatment plan. Diagnostic testing plays an important role in determining the condition responsible for a patient’s suffering.

Types of Diagnostic Tests

There are several diagnostic tests available, ranging from X-rays and CT scans to more in-depth tests. Here are some of the most common:

• Posturography. This balance test measures the effectiveness of the somatosensory system, vestibular system and vision to determine which area(s) to focus on when treating a balance disorder.
• Videonystagmography. This test measures eye movements to evaluate the inner ear and central motor functions. It can determine whether a vestibular disorder is the cause of a balance problem and where one or both ears are affected.
• Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) Testing. This test stimulates the ear with a loud sound and measures a muscle response in the body. It helps to assess the vestibular nerve function.
• Rotary Chair (RC). This test measures the function of the vestibular system while the chair turns back and forth, putting the patient in motion.

These diagnostic tests are quick, painless and can help us diagnose and evaluate a variety of hearing and balance disorders.

Common Vestibular Disorders We Treat

Vestibular Migraines

Vestibular migraines are a type of migraine that can cause dizziness, vertigo, imbalance and sensitivity to motion. Interestingly, these symptoms may occur with or without a headache, making diagnosis more complex. While the exact cause of vestibular migraines is not fully understood, they are believed to have a genetic component. Treatment often involves a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications.

BPPV

BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals, disrupting your sense of balance. This condition can cause brief but intense episodes of vertigo, especially with changes in head position. Other symptoms may include:

• Lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea or vomiting

Fortunately, BPPV can often be treated effectively with simple repositioning maneuvers performed by a trained provider.

Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s disease is caused by an abnormal buildup of fluid in the inner ear. It typically results in:

• Recurring episodes of vertigo (lasting 20 minutes to 12 hours)
• Fluctuating hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Sensitivity to loud sounds

Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis is an inner ear condition that results from inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which sends balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. It typically comes on suddenly and can cause:

• Severe vertigo
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unsteadiness or difficulty walking
• No associated hearing loss

Vestibular neuritis is often caused by a viral infection and can last for several days, with gradual improvement over time. While the initial symptoms can be intense, many people recover fully with appropriate care and time.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is similar to vestibular neuritis but also affects the cochlea—the part of the inner ear involved in hearing. As a result, it causes both balance and hearing symptoms, such as:

• Vertigo
• Nausea or imbalance
• Tinnitus
• Temporary hearing loss in one ear

Like vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis is usually caused by a viral infection, though bacterial causes are possible. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery, which often occurs over several weeks.

Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS)

SCDS is a rare vestibular disorder caused by a thinning or opening in the bone overlying one of the inner ear balance canals. This abnormal “window” can cause the inner ear to respond to sound or pressure in ways it shouldn’t.

Common symptoms include:

• Vertigo or imbalance triggered by loud sounds or pressure changes (such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting)
• Sensitivity to internal sounds like heartbeat, eye movement or your own voice (autophony)
• Hearing distortion or fullness in the ear

Diagnosis often requires a combination of hearing tests, vestibular testing and high-resolution imaging. While SCDS is rare, it is treatable—and identifying it can bring significant relief to those affected.

Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)

An acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous, slow-growing tumor on the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. Though not always classified as a primary vestibular disorder, it can affect balance and hearing.

Symptoms may include:

• Gradual hearing loss in one ear
• Ringing (tinnitus) in one ear
• Imbalance, especially in low-light conditions
• Occasionally, facial numbness or pressure

Acoustic neuromas are typically diagnosed through hearing tests and imaging. If suspected, we can coordinate further evaluation and treatment with the appropriate specialists.

Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria and ruling out other causes of symptoms. While Ménière’s disease is a chronic condition, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of episodes.

Treatment and Management

Because vestibular disorders vary widely in their causes and symptoms, treatment must be tailored to each individual. At Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, we take the time to understand your specific condition and how it’s affecting your daily life.

Your personalized care plan may include a combination of approaches, such as:

• Medical management
• Lifestyle recommendations
• Balance or vestibular therapy
• Coordination with other specialists, if needed

Our goal is to reduce the frequency and intensity of your symptoms, help you regain stability and improve your quality of life. We’re here to support you at every step of the way with evidence-based, compassionate care. If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo or other balance-related symptoms, don’t wait to seek help. Our experienced team is here to guide you toward answers and relief. Contact Ear, Nose & Throat Associates to schedule an evaluation and begin your path toward better balance and well-being.