The brain, inner ear, muscles, joints, central nervous system, senses and blood vessels/heart all work together for normal balance. These links are called the vestibular system. Sometimes a disease or injury can damage this system causing dizziness, vertigo, trouble with walking or balancing, and sometimes difficulty with hearing and vision.

What causes a balance disorder?

Balance problems can occur for many reasons. Balance and dizziness problems are most often caused by inner ear conditions; additionally conditions like arthritis and mild sensory loss can create symptoms of dizziness as well.

How are balance disorders treated?

Specialized exercises are crucial when treating a vestibular disorder. Occupational and physical therapists will evaluate the patient’s vestibular disorder symptoms and create an individualized treatment plan to improve balance and quality of life.

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

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Physical and Occupational Therapy

Recovering from an injury or learning to live with a physical disability or limitation can be challenging. Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) can help patients re…
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Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) is a healthcare specialty used to evaluate, diagnose, and treat physical problems or disorders of the human body. The goal of PT is for people to be able to …
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Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps patients recover from injuries, trauma, and neurological or musculoskeletal disorders to regain the skills needed to resume the highest level of functio…