What are the other Names for these Conditions? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• BD (Balance Disorder)

What are Balance Disorders? (Definition/Background Information)

• Balance Disorders (BDs) are conditions characterized by unsteadiness or dizziness when one is standing, sitting still, or lying down
• There are several types of Balance Disorders and following are some of the common types:
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): In this condition, there is brief but intense episodes of dizziness when moving the head
  • Labyrinthitis: Inflammation to the inner ear resulting in dizziness is noted in this condition
  • Vestibular neuritis: It occurs from an inflammation of the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain resulting in dizziness
  • Vestibular migraine: These are migraines that do not necessarily cause headaches, but rather affect the ears, vision, and balance
  • Meniere’s disease: It is defined by episodes of vertigo (spinning sensation), dizziness, tinnitus (ringing and other sounds in ears), a feeling of pressure in the ears, and hearing loss
• Balance requires many body systems to work together simultaneously, including the muscles, bones, joints, vision, nerves, heart, blood vessels, and the balance organ in the inner ear
• Balance Disorders primarily develop due to biological factors, and can be caused by certain health conditions, medications, or a problem in the inner ear or brain
• These disorders can be treated using a combination of therapy and medication to help cope with dizziness, associated symptoms, and to function normally
• The prognosis for Balance Disorders is generally good. Although, the condition may never disappear completely, the affected individuals can live a healthy life with regular treatment and support from their family and friends

Who gets Balance Disorders? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Balance Disorders are quite common and are known to affect about 15% of the general population
• This disorder generally affects adults over the age of 50 years; the risk of developing the condition increases as one gets older. Children are also known to develop Balance Disorders
• The disorder can affect both genders, but it is more prevalent in females
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Balance Disorders? (Predisposing Factors)

The following are some known risk factors for Balance Disorders:

• Advancing age (age over 50 years)
• Female gender
• Family history of Balance Disorders
• Head injury
• Certain medications, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics
• Having a medical condition that affects one’s balance or ears
• Previous episodes of vertigo
• Having an ear infection
• Experiencing high levels of stress
• Substance use and abuse

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Balance Disorders? (Etiology)

Balance Disorders primarily develop due to biological factors that may include:

• Inner ear problems
• Damaged nerve connections between the inner ear and brain
• Systemic body disorders such as thyroidal conditions and diabetes 
• Reduced blood flow due to low blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Balance Disorders?

Some signs and symptoms of Balance Disorders may include:

• Sense of motion or spinning (vertigo)
• Feeling faint or lightheaded (presyncope)
• Loss of balance
• Dizziness or a sensation of floating
• Changes in vision such as blurring
• Confusion and disorientation

How are Balance Disorders Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Balance Disorders is made with information gathered from the following evaluation methods:

• Complete physical evaluation
• Thorough analysis of personal and family medical history
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging results
• Motor function tests
• Behavioral hearing tests
• Balance questionnaires
• Biopsy studies, if necessary
• Differential diagnosis to rule-out other disorders that may be present with similar signs and symptoms

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Balance Disorders?

The complications of Balance Disorders may include the following: 

• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Motion sickness
• Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression
• Seizures

How are Balance Disorders Treated?

The treatment for Balance Disorders may vary depending on the cause of the disorder, and may include:

• Balance retraining exercises (vestibular rehabilitation) that allows individuals to practice physical activities and adapt to their imbalance 
• Positioning procedures, to clear particles from the inner ear and reposition the head to help with balance
• Diet and lifestyle changes that may help ease discomfort and reduce severity of migraine and headache
• Medications, to help control long-lasting dizziness and nausea
• Surgery, to manage and treat the symptoms (generally considered as a last resort)

How can Balance Disorders be Prevented?

The following methods may aid in the prevention of the onset of Balance Disorders:

• Low sodium diet 
• Maintaining healthy weight
• Regular exercise
• Avoiding the use of alcohol and caffeine
• Avoiding the use of medication, unless absolutely necessary

What is the Prognosis of Balance Disorders? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Balance Disorders is typically good and the condition is not known to be life-threatening
• Although the condition may never disappear completely, most affected individuals are able to live a healthy life with regular treatment and support from their family and friends

Additions and Relevant Useful Information for Balance Disorders:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/