Facts About Balance Problems
A balance disorder is a condition that gives you the effects of unsteadiness or dizziness, even when you are standing still or lying down. Balance disorders can be caused by problems in the inner ear or brain, medications, and other various health conditions. A maze-like structure made up of bone and soft tissue in our inner ear, called the labyrinth, controls our sense of balance. All parts of the inner ear concerning balance are called the vestibular system. The vestibular system works with other systems of the body as well, such as the eyes, bones, and joints. Two fluid filled pouches in the vestibular system called the utricle and saccule tell the brain the position of our head and when our body is moving in a straight line. The vestibular system works with our visual system to help us keep aware or our position when we are walking. The brain receives and processes information from sensory receptors in our joints and muscles to help us maintain our balance when standing or walking.
Symptoms of a balance disorder are: dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, blurred vision, and feeling as if you are going to fall or falling.
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