What Causes Dizziness and Loss of Balance?

Are you feeling dizzy or experiencing balance issues? If so, you are not alone. Dizziness and loss of balance are common complaints, especially as we age. While most cases are nothing to worry about, it is important to know the causes and seek treatment if needed. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of dizziness and loss of balance and provide tips for how to reduce your risk of falls.

What is Dizziness and Loss of Balance?

Dizziness and loss of balance are sensations that can make it difficult to stand or walk. Dizziness is a feeling that you are spinning or moving, even when you are still. Loss of balance is a feeling that you are about to fall, even when you are standing still. These sensations can be caused by a number of factors, including inner ear problems, medications, and health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

What are the Risks of Dizziness and Loss of Balance?

Dizziness and loss of balance can increase your risk of falls. Falls can cause serious injuries, such as broken bones or head injuries. To reduce your risk of falls, it is important to know the causes of dizziness and loss of balance and take steps to prevent these sensations.

What Are the Causes of Loss of Balance?

Balance problems can be caused by different pathologies, the most frequent being:

Vestibular Problems

The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and body position, as well as for eye movement coordination. Therefore, any problem that alters the normal functioning of this system can cause dizziness or loss of balance.

Some vestibular conditions that can cause these symptoms are:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Labyrinthitis
• Meniere's disease
• Vestibular neuritis

Neurological Diseases

Diseases that damage the nervous system can also cause problems with balance and coordination. Among these diseases are:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Dementia
• Parkinson's disease
• Cervical spondylosis

Inner Ear Disorders

Damage to the inner ear, caused by infection, Meniere's disease, or exposure to loud noises can also cause balance problems.

Joint Problems

Arthritis and other joint problems can also lead to balance disorders.

Effect of Certain Medications

Certain medications can cause balance problems as a side effect, examples include:

• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Heart rhythm medications
• Painkillers
• Sedatives
• Sleeping pills

Peripheral Neuropathy

Damage to the peripheral nerves, which can be caused by diseases such as diabetes or alcoholism, can also cause problems with balance and coordination.

Psychiatric Disorders

Certain psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, can also lead to balance problems.

Endocrine Disorders

Diseases of the endocrine system, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes, can also cause instability and imbalance.

Other Causes

There are other causes of imbalance that are less common, such as:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Dehydration
• Heart attack
• Seizures
• Vision problems

What Are the Symptoms of Dizziness and Loss of Balance?

The symptoms of dizziness and loss of balance can vary depending on the cause. However, some common symptoms are:

• Feeling Lightheaded or Unsteady
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Loss of balance
• Trouble walking
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Trouble hearing
• Fatigue

Medical Tests for Dizziness and Loss of Balance

Balance problems can be caused by multiple problems and pathologies, with which the diagnostic process can be somewhat extensive while possible causes are ruled out.

First, the medical specialist will collect the patient's medical history and perform a physical exam to obtain some information about the cause of the loss of balance.

Some of the tests that are usually performed to find the cause of balance disorders are:

Posturography

The posturography test consists of standing, with a safety harness, on a moving platform. In this way, it is possible to detect at which points there is greater stability. This test is used to rule out problems with the balance system, such as inner ear disorders or damage to the vestibular nerve.

Gait Analysis

The gait analysis is a study of how a person walks. This test can help to identify problems with balance and stability.

In some cases, it may be necessary to perform other tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computerised tomography (CT) scan.

Audiometry

Hearing measurement is performed because the vestibular system, responsible for stability and balance, is located in the ear.

Tilt Table Test

The tilt table test is a test that is used to diagnose problems with the autonomic nervous system and loss of balance test. This test is performed by placing the patient on a table that can be tilted to different angles.

Videonystagmography and Electronystagmography

These tests observe eye movements, which are also involved in the vestibular system of balance. The test can also be done in a swivel chair to measure movements during turning.

Dix-Hallpike Maneuver

It consists of the medical specialist carefully turning the patient's head to observe eye movements.

MRI or CAT

These imaging tests are done to look for possible pathologies in the internal structures that cause the balance problem.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Sudden changes in pressure and heart rate are observed to determine if a lack of pressure or heart disease is causing the symptoms of instability.

Can Pregnancy Cause Dizziness?

Mild dizziness can also be a symptom of pregnancy in women - especially if it's accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The condition is common and appears from the first weeks of pregnancy and can last until delivery.

The symptom occurs, in general, due to hormonal changes in the pregnant woman, which cause a decrease in blood pressure. However, when this discomfort appears along with signs of dehydration, such as dark-coloured urine, it is important to seek professional help.

Loss of Balance When Lying Down

Dizziness at bedtime has multiple possible causes and should be analysed by a specialist. One of the most common reasons is labyrinthitis, an inflammation of the inner ear that makes a person feel the world spinning around them, which gets worse when a person lies down. However, psychological conditions can also cause the symptom.

People with anxiety disorders often feel dizzy, with sensations as if they were going to fall as if they were floating or walking on clouds. This can occur in any position, including when the person is lying down.

Dizziness When Getting Up

When a person feels dizzy when standing up, it can mean changes in circulation. An example would be postural hypotension, which is a sudden drop in pressure, usually caused by gravity, that causes blood to pool in the legs.

It can also mean a BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Postural Vertigo), triggered by head movements.

Dizziness After Eating

The dizziness felt after a meal can occur for a few reasons. One of them is postprandial hypotension, which is the drop in blood pressure after eating. Another is reactive hypoglycemia, where blood glucose drops after a person eats. Patients who have undergone stomach surgery may also experience the symptom.

Some Tips to Get a Relief

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of dizziness and falls. First, make sure you are drinking enough water and eating regular meals to keep your blood sugar stable. Second, avoid standing for long periods of time or wearing high heels. Third, if you are taking any medications that could contribute to dizziness, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments. Finally, make sure your home is free of tripping hazards and that you have good lighting.

If you are experiencing dizziness or loss of balance, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. While most cases are benign, it is always better to be safe than sorry. With the help of a medical professional, you can identify the cause of your symptoms and find the best way to treat them.

Treatments for Dizziness and Loss of Balance

Treatment of these stability problems will vary depending on the degree of imbalance and its cause. The main measures that can be taken are the following:

• Vestibular rehabilitation: specialised rehabilitation exercises to train balance and prevent falls. The specialist therapist may recommend a device to help maintain balance, such as a cane
• Canalicular repositioning: This treatment removes the displaced particles from the inner ear that is causing the loss of balance
• New healthy habits: in cases of migraines and other similar pathologies, changes in diet or the use of compression stockings are prescribed to improve stability
• Medications: certain medications are specially indicated to control dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems
• Surgery: in cases of certain diseases, the patient will require a surgical intervention

What Can We Do for You?

If you or someone you know is struggling with dizziness or loss of balance, Abi Hearing is here to help. We offer a variety of services to diagnose and treat these conditions so that you can get back to your life. We can also work alongside your other health practitioners to create a management plan that is right for you. 

Abi Hearing has been helping people with dizziness and balance problems for many years. We are experts in the field and can provide you with the best care possible. We offer a variety of services, including:

• Balance and Dizziness Diagnostics
• Vestibular rehabilitation
• Balance training
• Hearing aids and other assistive devices

Don't let dizziness or balance problems hold you back any longer. Call Abi Hearing today to schedule a meeting.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If the episodes of dizziness are frequent or if they last more than a few minutes, it is best to consult a specialist. Also, go to the doctor if:

• The dizziness is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations.
• There is hearing loss or tinnitus.
• The person has had a head injury.
• The dizziness is so severe that it interferes with daily activities.
• There are episodes of fainting or blackouts.
• There is paralysis or numbness in any part of the body.

If you have any doubts, it is always best to consult a specialist to rule out any possible health problem.

Conclusion

Dizziness can be caused by a number of things, most commonly inner ear problems or medication side effects. Loss of balance can be due to a variety of factors, including inner ear problems, medications, and health conditions like stroke or Parkinson's disease. If you are experiencing dizziness or loss of balance, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause and receive treatment.