Why Do I Feel Off-Balance?

Wednesday, April 20th, 2022, 2:39 am

Numerous systems in the body help keep you on balance, day in and day out. If one or more of these systems isn’t working properly, you may start to feel off-balance.  

Balance problems can be disorienting – you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning. These issues can be triggered by certain conditions, the most common of which include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Also known as BPPV, this condition is the main cause of vertigo among adults. It occurs when calcium crystals in the inner ear that help with balance are forced out of their usual positions. The crystals end up in different positions within the inner ear, which leads to balance problems.

BPPV can often be successfully treated with specific physical therapy exercises. If patients experience nausea along with BPPV, they may also benefit from taking anti-nausea medications. 

Vestibular Neuritis

Classified as an inner ear disorder, this condition occurs when the vestibulocochlear nerve in the inner ear becomes inflamed. This nerve transmits information about balance and head positioning to the brain. When it’s swollen, this information isn’t properly understood, and vertigo and dizziness occur as a result. 

Viral infections of the inner ear are the key cause of vestibular neuritis. Treating the virus and managing symptoms with anti-nausea medications are the most common methods for relieving this condition. It generally resolves on its own within several days. 

Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness

Persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common disorder causing dizziness and unsteadiness among adults. It’s a chronic vestibular condition that typically develops when the brain’s interpretation of motion and space suddenly changes. It’s more common among people with anxiety, depression, and/or migraine. Physical therapy and medications are typically used to treat PPPD. 

At Suncoast Urgent Care, we provide walk-in medical services for adults and children. If you’re feeling dizzy, nauseous, and off-balance, visit our clinic today to speak with a physician. 

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Category: Infections


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