If you feel lightheaded or dizzy occasionally, many factors could affect your balance. You may feel lightheaded when hungry or dehydrated, certain medications can make you feel dizzy, or a potential cause may be underlying, undiagnosed health problems. Health problems that affect your inner ear or brain can throw off your balance. Conditions causing balance problems range from acute illnesses to chronic concerns and may include infection, stroke, or a tumor.

Usually, a disruption in balance is temporary. But some things can cause long-term balance problems. So, how do you know when to be concerned?

What is a Balance Disorder? 

A balance disorder is a condition that causes you to feel unsteady or dizzy. You may suddenly feel as if you are moving, spinning or floating. When walking, a dizzy spell may cause you to feel as if you are tipping over. A balance disorder can profoundly affect daily activities and create psychological and emotional issues as well. 

What are the Symptoms of a Balance Disorder?

If you feel that you may be struggling with your balance as an ongoing issue, the symptoms may include: 

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Falling or a feeling that you are going to fall

• Moving clumsily or unsteadily

• Lightheadedness, faintness or the feeling of floating

• Blurred vision

• Confusion or disorientation

Common Causes of Balance Problems

Identifying the cause of a balance problem can be complicated since several disorders have similar symptoms. 

An Inner Ear Infection

An infection or inflammation of the inner ear can trigger dizziness and loss of balance. This condition is called labyrinthitis. Inflammation can also affect the nerve that sends signals about balance to the brain, which is a condition called vestibular neuritis.

Vertigo (BPPV)

The most common cause of dizzy spells is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. This occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear fall out of place. BPPV can cause a brief, intense sense of vertigo triggered by certain changes in the position of your head. The spells usually last less than a minute.

Ménière’s disease

A less common but recurrent cause of balance problems is Ménière’s disease. This condition can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and a ringing or buzzing sensation in the ear. The cause of Ménière’s disease is unknown, but people living with it often have extra fluid in their inner ear.

Your first step for diagnosing a balance problem is to visit an audiologist. An audiologist at Topeka ENT can perform various tests to determine the underlying cause of your balance issues. These include a hearing exam, blood tests, or tests to measure your eye movements. If these tests are unable to rule out a stroke as a potential cause, you may also need an MRI scan.

Tips for Living With Balance Issues

Home Modifications

To improve living conditions, consider installing sturdy handrails on stairs, along walls or in the bathroom near toilets and tubs. Also, make sure to keep walking areas clear, use non-slip mats in the bathroom and wet areas, and secure loose carpets. 

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Both exercise and physical therapy can benefit someone navigating life with balance problems. Following exercise routines can improve balance and reduce the risk of falling. Balance is like any other motor skill: it requires practice in a safe environment. Talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits and safety of certain activities that may help improve coordination and stability in movement, including:

• Walking backward

• Heel-to-toe walking

• Standing on one foot and then the other for several seconds (initially using gentle support).

Diet Considerations

When managing balance issues, it is important to focus on a balanced diet filled with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and moderate sodium intake. 

Avoiding salty foods can help to improve the health of the inner ear, reducing symptoms such as tinnitus as well as helping to manage balance 

Footwear Choices

Look for a shoe with a soft sole and a rubber grip to help reduce falls. The rubber sole will provide support and traction on wet and dry surfaces. Ensure that the shoes are easy to wear, easy to remove, and fit properly. A properly fitting shoe is essential to reducing falls. A common misconception is to increase shoe size, but this creates room for the foot to slip and slide inside the shoe, which can lead to more slips and falls.

Seek Medical Attention

If you are experiencing persistent balance problems that worsen or affect your quality of life, consult a doctor. Balance problems can be symptoms of a larger health issue. 

If you or someone you love has become a little unsteady, contact the professionals at Topeka ENT. Our trained audiologists can test your hearing and examine your ears to help identify the cause of your balance problems.