Occasional feelings of being off balance can be a normal occurrence, but if you are suffering from a feeling of spinning, or lightheadedness, you could be having problems with your vestibule, or inner ear. Your ear specialist can help. Dr. Andrew Senchak, Dr. Joshua Caldwell, and Dr. Annie McRae at Texas Ear and Vestibular Institute in McKinney, TX, offer comprehensive ENT services, including treatment for imbalance. They proudly serve residents of McKinney, and Allen, TX.
What You Need to Know about Imbalance
Imbalance can cause a lot of problems while driving, working, going to school, or just accomplishing everyday tasks. So, how do you know if you have imbalance problems? Signs and symptoms of imbalance include:
- Feelings of being in-motion
- Feelings of spinning
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Sensations of floating or falling
- Vision issues, including blurred vision
- Confusion and loss of orientation
There are several causes of imbalance, including:
Vertigo, caused by calcium crystals developing and dislodging in your inner ear, the area that controls balance.
Vestibular neuritis, which is an inflammatory condition caused by a virus. This condition can affect the nerves in your inner ear.
Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness, which can occur when you watch objects move around, when reading, or when you are in a complex environment.
Meniere's disease, which causes severe feelings of imbalance and hearing problems.
Migraines, which can cause severe issues of imbalance.
Acoustic neuroma, which is a benign growth on a nerve associated with balance and hearing.
If you are suffering from imbalance, you need to schedule an evaluation with your ENT specialist, who will recommend testing to determine the cause of your imbalance. Common tests include hearing tests, a posturography test to check balance while in-motion, eye movement testing, and imaging.
When your ENT specialist has determined the cause of your imbalance, common treatment options your ENT specialist may recommend include:
- Balance exercises to compensate for imbalance
- Walking aids including canes and other devices
- Procedures to clear out particles in the inner ear
- Diet and lifestyle modifications if your imbalance is caused by Meniere’s disease or migraines
- Medications to control dizziness
- Surgery if your imbalance is caused by an acoustic neuroma or Meniere’s disease
Want to Know More?
To find out more about imbalance, talk with the experts. Call Drs. Andrew Senchak, Joshua Caldwell, and Ann McRae at Texas Ear and Vestibular Institute in McKinney, TX, serving residents of McKinney, and Allen areas. You can reach them in the office by calling (469) 678-2211, so call today.