Common balance disorders

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Balance disorders often have many negative effects on the quality of work and activities of daily living. Therefore, patients need to know clearly the type of disease, the cause of the disorder in order to receive effective treatment.

1. What is balance disorder?

Balance disorder is a phenomenon in which the processing of information from the brain to the organs with balance functions is disrupted. From there, the patient staggers, feels like drunk, does not feel the direction causing the fall.
MORE: Why are you afraid of heights and others are not?

2. Common balance disorders

2.1. Dizzy

Dizziness is a phenomenon where the eyes see the space spinning, upside down. This can cause loss of balance or abdominal pain. Dizziness is often caused by diseases of the inner ear and brain disease.

2.2. Benign postural vertigo (BPPV)

Small crystals fall into the cochlea, an organ that keeps the body's balance, causing brain disturbances when turning or standing, leading to nausea, uncontrollable eye-rolling. Benign postural vertigo can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and usually goes away on its own. Treatment can be accomplished by removing the crystal from the ear canal.
SEE ALSO: What are the signs of frequent dizziness and unbalance?

2.3. Labyrinthitis

Cold or flu viruses, bacteria enter the semicircular canal, causing inflammation, the semicircular canal swells, causing dizziness and brain disorders. In addition, it can also cause fever, vomiting, hearing loss and tinnitus. The disease usually resolves on its own without treatment. In rare cases, antibiotics are needed to clear up a bacterial infection.

2.4. Vestibular neuritis

Vestibular neuritis occurs when a virus invades, disrupting the connection between the inner ear and the brain. This can cause dizziness, unsteadiness, and abdominal pain, but usually does not cause hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
Symptoms of inflammation usually last from a few hours to a few days, even a month or longer. It usually goes away on its own, but you need bed rest when symptoms get worse.

2.5. Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease usually causes severe dizziness lasting 20 minutes to several hours, which may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In addition, it can cause tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of pressure in the ear. The disease can be treated with medication, dietary changes, and balance exercises.

2.6. Medicine

Certain antibiotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptic drugs, blood pressure medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs can cause dizziness. If dizziness or any other side effect occurs, you should stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away for effective treatment advice.

2.7. Perilymph fistula (PLF)

Severe head trauma can tear the hole separating the middle ear from the inner ear causing loss of balance. This causes tinnitus, fullness or sensitivity to loud noises. Changes in air pressure, such as in an airplane, can make the condition worse. Bed rest for 1-2 weeks can help the perforation heal faster. If the hole does not heal after 6 months, surgical solutions may be offered.

2.8. Vestibular Migraine

Migraine headaches can lead to vestibular neuritis, causing dizziness for patients. In addition to dizziness, you may also experience abdominal pain, sensitivity to light and sound, ringing in the ears, and headaches. It can be treated with medication, physical therapy, dietary changes, exercise, sleep, and other habits.

2.9. Head injury

Head trauma can damage the inner ear causing dizziness, fistula around the ear, reduced vision. It can also damage parts of the brain that control movement. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease.

2.10. Travel sickness

Dizziness can also occur when sitting in a boat, car, train or plane. When you get off the car, the symptoms usually go away. In case you have to sit in the car for a long time, you should take an anti-nausea drug to limit the risk of vomiting and dizziness combined:
Focus on the distant scenery Keep your head still Avoid strong odors, greasy foods, caffeine and alcohol . Snack (crackers and water).

2.11. Mal de Debarquement's syndrome

Mal de Debarquement syndrome usually occurs after a long sea voyage. When the patient has landed on land, there is still a feeling of swaying and undulating like walking on the sea. The disease may be caused by the brain not being able to readjust the movement when the trip is over. However, most disease resolves on its own, with a few cases lasting for weeks or years requiring control with medication, vestibular rehabilitation, and physical activity.

2.12. Nervous problems

Diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and cervical spondylosis can damage the nervous system, causing loss of balance. These conditions can be well controlled with physical therapy measures.

2.13. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is often associated with shingles, which affects the facial nerve. It usually causes a rash with fluid-filled blisters around one ear. Over time, facial weakness, difficulty moving on the same side of the face, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and dizziness can occur. You should see a doctor as soon as these symptoms appear. Prompt treatment with antiviral drugs can help relieve pain and limit the risk of getting worse.

3. When to get urgent help

Sudden loss of balance can be a sign of serious problems such as a blood clot or rupture of a blood vessel caused by a stroke, aneurysm, or an embolism. Call 911 right away if you or a loved one:
Can't move or has paralysis of your arms, face, or eyes You can't see in one or both eyes Slurred speech, slurred, slurred speech Sudden headache Confusions Balance disorders can stem from many causes and significantly affect the quality of life as well as the health of the patient. Therefore, when the above balance disorders occur with a large frequency and are difficult to control, the patient should go to a medical center specializing in Neurology to examine, find the cause and have appropriate treatment.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases, including Neurology. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com