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Vertigo (Balance Disorders)

What is Vertigo (Balance Disorders)?

Vertigo is a kind of dizziness. Dizziness is a very common condition: 20-30% of people experience the sensation of lightheadedness, feeling unsteady or losing one’s balance. Vertigo is a specific kind of dizziness – a sense that you or your environment is moving or spinning when there is no movement. Vertigo can be caused by a variety of medical conditions that affect the balance organs of the inner ear, the sensory pathways to the brain, or parts of the brain. Depending on the cause, other symptoms can accompany vertigo, including hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), nausea, vomiting, or a feeling of fullness in the ear.

Dizziness and balance difficulties are symptoms of another problem. It is important to see your doctor if you have unexplained dizziness or balance issues to find out the underlying cause. If you have a sudden hearing loss or have vertigo following head injury or trauma or experience severe problems with balance, seek medical attention immediately.

What can professionals do to help?

Audiologists are highly trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing, researching and treating any problems associated with the ears, especially those pertaining to the auditory system and within the vestibular system. The audiologist will assess for hearing loss and investigate possible causes of vertigo and the accompanying loss of balance. The audiologist will make recommendations to other healthcare professionals as needed and provide information and counseling regarding vertigo and balance disorders.