What causes balance and dizziness problems?
While there are many reasons you may experiencing balance problems, some of the most common include:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Ménière's disease
- Ear infection
- Chemical imbalance in your brain
- Labyrinthitis
- Age
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- Vestibular neuronitis
- Poor blood circulation
- High blood pressure or low blood pressure
- Certain medications
- Head injury
- Migraines
If you have a balance problem, you may feel dizzy and unsteady on your feet. Some people feel like the room is spinning when they first stand up. Without proper treatment, balance problems can interfere with your daily life.
How are balance and dizziness problems diagnosed?
Dr. Reidy works with one of the best vestibular therapists in Southwest Florida to uncover the cause of your balance and dizziness problems. Balance tests are tests that screen for disorders that make you feel unsteady or dizzy. He typically performs these tests if you suffer from:
- Dizziness
- Unsteadiness when standing
- Tinnitus
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness
Some of the most common balance tests that Dr. Reidy uses to diagnose balance disorders include:
VNG testing
A VNG test is a noninvasive series of screenings that evaluates your ability to follow objects with your eyes. Dr. Reidy performs this test to see how well your eyes respond to information from the vestibular system.
VEMP testing
Vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing is a vestibular test that helps diagnose vestibular disorders, like Ménière's disease. During the test, Dr. Reidy applies a repetitive sound stimulus to your inner ear to see how certain muscles respond.
How are balance and dizziness problems treated?
Depending on what’s causing your balance and dizziness problems, Dr. Reidy may perform one or more of the following types of balance therapy:
CRM procedure
Dr. Reidy uses the canalith repositioning procedure (CRM) to relieve benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which causes intense episodes of dizziness. In most cases, BPPV occurs when otoconia, small particles in your inner ear, break off and fall into your inner ear canal. The CRM procedure moves these particles to an area where they can’t reach your inner ear canal and cause episodes of dizziness.
Epley maneuver
The Epley maneuver is an exercise technique that Dr. Reidy can teach you to do at home if you experience a sudden BPPV episode. It redistributes the otoconia in your ear to relieve dizziness and discomfort.
If you’re struggling with balance and dizziness problems, call Patrick M. Reidy, MD, or book an appointment online today.
