Dizziness and Balance Problems

What causes dizziness and other balance problems?

Balance problems can be caused by a wide variety of problems affecting the inner ear, central nervous system, vision, spine, feet and legs, circulatory system and/or metabolism. It can be due to something as common as dehydration, or a complex disease or combination of problems. For many people, dizziness is related to a problem in a portion of the inner ear called the “labyrinth” or “vestibular system”.

Common Causes of Vestibular Disorders:

  • Infection or inflammation related to labyrinthitis, vestibular neuronitis, otitis media or allergies

  • Holes or weak spots in the cochlea (cochlear fistula or dehiscence)

  • Migraine

  • Motion sickness

  • Tumors affecting the auditory nerve

  • Pressure on blood vessels in the neck or brain

  • Displaced crystals in the labyrinth (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - BPPV)

  • Autoimmune inner ear disease

  • Meniere’s disease or endolymphatic hydrops

  • Diseases such as diabetes or other metabolic disorders

  • Changes in health of the inner ear related to aging

  • Ototoxic drugs

  • Kidney disease

  • Brain injuries due to concussions or stroke (cerebrovascular accident)

Other Causes of Balance Disorders:

  • Vision problems, especially disorders affecting eye movements and focus

  • Hyperventilation

  • Dehydration

  • Stress, fatigue or inattention

  • Head Trauma

  • Decreased blood flow to the brain

  • Vasovagal Syndrome

  • Peripheral neuropathy affecting the feet and legs

  • Tumors on the brainstem or spinal column

  • Arteriosclerosis

  • Arthritis in the neck vertebrae

Our Offices

Pontiac Office

44200 Woodward Avenue

Suite 201

Pontiac, MI 48341

(248) 334-9490

Clarkston Office

7300 Dixie Hwy

Suite 100

Clarkston, MI 48346

(248) 625-8450

Our Offices

Pontiac Office

44200 Woodward Avenue

Suite 201

Pontiac, MI 48341

(248) 334-9490

Clarkston Office

7300 Dixie Hwy

Suite 100

Clarkston, MI 48346

(248) 625-8450

Our Offices

Pontiac Office

44200 Woodward Avenue

Suite 201

Pontiac, MI 48341

(248) 334-9490

Clarkston Office

7300 Dixie Hwy

Suite 100

Clarkston, MI 48346

(248) 625-8450