Information on vestibular balance disorders (causing dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, or motion sickness) produced by medical doctors

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Vertigo
Vestibular Balance Disorders

Medical Author: James K. Bredenkamp, MD, FACS
Medical Editor: Leslie J. Schoenfield, M.D., Ph.D.

Featured vertigo patient discussions on the cause of your vertigo

"I experienced severe vertigo attacks in 2005. My world would swirl fast, I would vomit the whole day, and I was in bed for one week. I was tired and couldn�t even talk. My ears are OK, so the doctor said it was because of stress. I am now learning how to take time and not stress myself. I am taking Serc tablet whenever I feel that I will have an attack."

"As a viral infection which caused permanent damage to my vestibular nerves- (44% right unilateral weakness)- all I know is My sense of balance and motion is effected and it is very disabling to me, as an active person."

"I found your web site most informative. I suffered with what I was told, an anxiety disorder for 22 years. I never had a life and developed fears as well as avoidance behavior. I never realized that I had a vestibular disorder. Meclizine saved my life, and now I able to travel as well as understand why the things that bothered me (going to the movies, amusement park rides, escalators, etc.) were so intense. I hope anyone that goes to doctors or therapists for what they believe is an anxiety disorder, checks out their ear first. I wish someone told me that when I was young. I am not old but a lot of life has past me by."

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Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, or treatment.
See the disclaimer at the bottom of the comments page.

Introduction

Ponder this: if a cat is dropped upside down, it will land right side up on all four paws. If a newborn infant is tilted backward, its eyes will roll downward so that its gaze remains fixed on the same point. If, as you read this article, you shake your head rapidly from side to side, the print nonetheless will stand still. Each of these scenarios is an example of how a healthy balance (vestibular) system compensates for daily changes in our spatial orientation.

Balance is a state of body equilibrium or stability. We often take for granted how dependent we are on a healthy balance system. When the system breaks down, however, patients will describe symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, or motion sickness.

How do patients describe the symptoms caused by balance disorders?

More than two million people per year visit their doctor for vestibular balance disorders.

These disorders are the ninth most common complaint that leads patients to visit their primary care physicians. Furthermore, it is one of the most common reasons elderly people seek medical advice.

Patients often describe balance problems in terms of vertigo, dizziness, lightheadedness, and motion sickness. But, not all of these symptoms are always caused by disorders of the vestibular system. Moreover, although one person may describe a balance problem using one or more of these terms, another person may use a different combination of these terms to describe the very same condition. In fact, some people will even use the word dizziness to indicate that they simply do not feel well. It is important, therefore, for patients to not use general terms when describing their balance problems. Put another way, it is best for patients to simply describe the sensation they feel without using general terms like dizziness or vertigo.