Dizziness and Balance Disorders: When to Have Your Balance Checked

Do you ever feel unsteady on your feet or get lightheaded when you stand up?  

What you are experiencing in each of these cases is a vestibular dysfunction. Your dizziness or loss of balance can be a temporary condition or an ongoing one, depending on its cause. 

Published research in the Journal of Otolaryngology-ENT Research from February 2024 reveals two very important observations associated with vestibular dysfunction and/or balance disorders: 

• Dizziness, vertigo, and falls are the third most common complains heard by physicians from all age groups, but they are the number one complaint of individuals 65 years old and older 

• Balance disorders contribute to considerable morbidities and mortality, with balance-related falls being the number one cause of accidental death for this population 

In the face of these two observations, it is no wonder that among the most common fears of older adults are fear of a loss of independence and fear of falling. 

The doctors at Fox Valley ENT Associates want to raise your awareness about the serious consequences that can come from leaving dizziness and balance disorders unchecked and untreated. 

Dizziness and Vertigo 

Balance is something that many of us take for granted until we first experience a challenge such as dizziness or unsteadiness on our feet. 

The word “dizziness” can cover several things. It goes from that lightheaded feeling when you stand up all the way to feeling like you are spinning on a carousel. 

The sensory information that controls your balance is provided to your brain by your vestibular organs, which are housed in the hard bone directly behind each ear. 

When functioning properly, these organs send symmetrical impulses to your brain, telling your brain how to help to keep you steady. But when one or both are not working properly, it often results in dizziness and balance challenges. 

Common Symptoms of Balance Disorders 

What are some of the most common symptoms of balance disorders? There are essentially four of them: 

• Feeling like you are spinning regardless of what position your body is in, even while lying down 
• A sensation of unsteadiness on your feet and/or falling 
• Struggling to walk in the dark 
• A sensation of swaying when you first stand up or whenever you are standing still 

Diagnosing the Cause of Your Balance Disorder 

There are many causes of dizziness and balance disorders, all of which can be diagnosed by your Fox Valley ENT Associates doctors. Your exam may include: 

• A thorough examination of your ears, nose, and throat to look for any abnormalities or signs of infection 
• Testing of inner ear and middle ear functioning (hearing test and tympanometry) for signs of inner ear or middle ear dysfunction 
• Diagnostic Videonystagmography (VNG) to assess probable location of where dizziness is coming from 

Once we identify the cause of your dizziness or balance issue, we will be able to prescribe various medications and physical therapies to treat your condition. 

When Should I See My Doctor? 

Individuals of all ages can experience lightheadedness when they stand up too quickly.  

Temporary dizziness can be related to consuming alcoholic beverages, certain medications, and recreational drugs, or it can be a symptom of a head cold, ear infection, or other illness.