Linksfield Audiology

Other symptoms can also include diarrhea, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, fear, anxiety, or panic. Some people may also experience some disorientation. Symptoms may come and go over short time periods or last for longer periods of time.

Balance disorders can be caused by certain health conditions, medications, or a problem in the inner ear or the brain. Many people experience problems with their sense of balance as they get older. However, many balance disorders can begin all of a sudden, at any age, and with no obvious cause.

Several body systems have to work in perfect unison to enable you to keep your balance. These systems include:

• Visual system (eyes)
• Vestibular system (ears)
• Proprioception (the body's sense of where it is in space).

Damage, degeneration or loss of function in any of these systems can lead to balance deficits.

Diagnosis of a balance disorder is complicated because there are many kinds of balance disorders and because other medical conditions and some medications may contribute to a balance disorder. A diagnosis is primarily made by an otolaryngologist (ENT). An ENT is a physician/surgeon who specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck, sometimes with expertise in balance disorders. He or she will usually obtain a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination to start to sort out possible causes of the balance disorder. The physician may require tests and make additional referrals to assess the cause and extent of the disruption of balance. The kinds of tests required will vary based on the patient's symptoms and health status. Because there are so many variables, not all patients will require every test.

At Linksfield Audiology we work closely with ENT Surgeons and General Practitioners to assess and determine the nature and treatment for your balance disorders. Contact us without delay should you have any queries related to balance and dizziness you are experiencing.

---