Jefferson Balance & Hearing Center Balance & Dizziness Disorders
Over half of the population of the United States will experience
a balance or vestibular disorder in their lifetime. Balance
disorders are the number one health complaint of patients over
the age of 70. Less than 10% of patients with balance and
vestibular disorders are ever evaluated by a specialist
(otologist, neuro-otologist, audiologist, neurologist).
Vestibular disorders cause 50% of falls experienced by the
elderly. The Balance System There are several sensory systems
that help us keep our balance. They provide input about our head
and body movement and our position in space. Three dominate
senses that participate in this action are the somatosensory,
visual, and vestibular system. All three of these systems are
interrelated and communicate with each other. If there is a
problem with any one of these systems, it may result in
dizziness, disequilibrium and/or falls. Common Inner Ear
Disorders The most common type of vertigo is peripheral ve