Balance problems can be caused by issues related to the ears or brain, as well as other medical problems. Vertigo and presyncope are common balance disorders, and anxiety and hyperventilation can also lead to feeling lightheaded. Diagnostic tests can help identify the cause of balance problems.
There are a variety of balance problems that can affect people of all ages. They are broadly divided into causes related to the ears or the brain, although other medical problems can also be responsible. People with vision problems, including blindness, may also have balance problems because their eyes don’t provide feedback to the vestibular system, which the body uses to stay balanced. Treatments are available for some ailments involving balance, and it’s advisable to see a doctor if people notice changes in their ability to balance and walk comfortably.
Some balance problems are grouped under the category of vertigo, where people have a sensation of spinning or moving. Examples of conditions in this category are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, labyrinthine ear infections, vestibular migraine, and acoustic neuroma. Dizziness can cause people to fall and can also lead to gait abnormalities, such as a rolling gait, to compensate for feeling dizzy.
Other balance problems are related to presyncope, a medical term for “feeling faint.” People with presyncope most commonly have a problem with their blood pressure, making them feel faint and unsteady. Imbalance, balance disorders characterized by a lack of balance and an inability to control the body to stay balanced, can be caused by joint and muscle disorders, inner ear problems, nerve damage such as seen with multiple sclerosis, and some drugs.
Balance problems can also lead to feeling lightheaded. People with anxiety disorders sometimes have balance problems, and hyperventilating can also lead to feeling lightheaded because the brain isn’t getting enough oxygen. Brain tumors and other degenerative diseases that attack areas of the brain such as the cerebellum can also lead to balance disorders, as people may have difficulty controlling their gait or standing upright.
When a balance disorder is identified, a variety of diagnostic tests can be used to learn more about why a patient is having problems. These tests may include tilt table tests, stress tests, blood tests, medical imaging studies of the brain, ear exams, and neurological exams. It may be helpful to provide physicians with as much background information as possible about the patient’s history, onset of balance problems, and any family history of balance disorders. This information will be considered during the patient’s workup to develop a list of possible causes and proposed treatments.
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