You are not alone. It is estimated that at least half the population of the US will be affected by dizziness or balance problems during their lifetime. Balance disorders that cause dizziness may create a variety of problems including imbalance, disorientation and blurring of vision - all of which interfere with quality of life and may lead to serious falls. Balance problems may occur suddenly or develop slowly over time. Dizziness affects all people in all age groups but is most prevalent in the elderly. Many dizzy patients may be helped through non-medical and non-surgical techniques. There is no medication that effectively treats the complaints of dysequilibrium, unsteadiness or imbalance. These problems require a thorough assessment of the balance system followed by customized therapy to treat the specific symptom.

Symptoms of Dizziness

• A sensation of spinning or rotation (vertigo)
• Feeling faint, particularly noticeable when standing (lightheadedness)
• Feeling disconnected from, and out of sync with, one's environment (disorientation)
• Feeling off balance, unsteady, or the inability to walk a straight line (dysequilibrium)
• Decreased visual clarity associated with head movement (visual blurring)
• A sense of discomfort, even fear, of moving about in open, public spaces (anxiety)
• Falls, or even a serious stumble, which can reduce one's mobility and sense of independence (fear of falling)

        Oftentimes dizziness is caused by medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or as a side effect of prescription medications. You should discuss your symptoms with your physician. If your dizziness, lightheadedness or feelings of dysequilibrium persist, your physician may refer you to an audiologist for a comprehensive evaluation of your problem and, if indicated, treatment to relieve your symptoms. The audiologist is an essential member of the healthcare team helping to identify the cause of your problem.

Self-Quiz for Dizziness or Balance Problems

• Do you get a feeling of motion, spinning or falling when moving your head quickly or changing your position, e.g., getting in or out of bed?
• Are you uncomfortable trying to move around in the dark?
• Do you feel off-balance when walking down aisles in stores or malls?
• Do your feet sometimes not go where you want them to go?
• Do you ever experience a sense of unsteadiness? A feeling that you are not sure-footed?
• Do you ever experience a fear of falling or stumbling?
• Does looking at moving objects such as escalators or out the side window of a car make you queasy?
• Do you have difficulty keeping your balance as you walk on different surfaces, e.g., walking from a tile floor onto carpet?
• Do you ever have a feeling that you are drifting or being pulled to one side when you are walking?
• Do you feel like others do not understand your symptoms of unbalance or dizziness?

        Services provided by Dr. Marion Caldwell, AuD.