Is The Rest Of The World Spinning Or Is It Just Me?

A recent study estimates that up to 35% of adults aged 40 years or older in the United States have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction often including dizziness (https://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorder).

You feel dizzy and may be one of many with a vestibular disorder, now what?

Get informed: Balance and vestibular disorders

Do you remember when you were first introduced to gravity? Well, over the years (for better or worse) me and gravity have become good friends and I have the bumps and bruises to prove it. Luckily for us we can function while interacting with our friend gravity through balance. Balance can be defined as the ability to move or to remain in a position without losing control or falling (http://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/balance).

Essential to balance is our vestibular system. The vestibular system includes the inner ear and specific portions of the brain. It works to reflexively help with compensatory movement and body adjustments, helping us feel and perceive gravity and movement.

When there is an injury, damage or disease to the vestibular system often vestibular disorders result. These disorders often affect balance, causing dizziness and unsteadiness.
Some common vestibular disorders include:
 Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
 Labyrinthitis
 Vestibular neuritis
 Meniere’s disease
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096243/).

Seek Help

Dizziness and balance disorders can be frightening, frustrating, and life altering. Fortunately, there are resources to further understand and manage your symptoms. Talk to your family doctor about your symptoms and find a qualified experienced
vestibular specialist in your area.

You are not alone and there are resources and trained specialists that can help guide you on your journey!

Image 1: http://choicemedicalcenters.com/features/headaches-dizziness/
Image 2: https://cdn-media-1.lifehack.org/wp-content/files/2011/12/balance.jpg

Matthew specializes in assessment and treatment of vertigo, dizziness, TMJ (jaw) dysfunction, concussion and neurological/spinal disorders.