Dizziness and balance loss are two common problems that many people experience at some point in their lives. These symptoms can affect individuals of all ages and can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions.

In this article, we will examine some of the most common causes of dizziness and balance loss as well as their treatments.

Common Causes of Dizziness

Dizziness is a term that can describe a range of sensations, including feeling faint, lightheaded, woozy, or unsteady on your feet. Some people also experience a spinning or whirling sensation, known as vertigo. Here are some common causes of dizziness:.

Inner Ear Problems

The inner ear is responsible for helping you maintain your balance. If there is a problem with the inner ear, it can lead to dizziness and other balance problems. Common inner ear problems that can cause dizziness include:.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is one of the most common causes of dizziness, especially in older adults. BPPV occurs when small crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into one of the ear’s canals. When this happens, you can experience sudden and severe bouts of vertigo, usually triggered by certain head movements.
Vestibular neuritis: This is a condition that occurs when the vestibular nerve, which connects the ear to the brain, becomes infected or inflamed. It can cause sudden and severe vertigo that lasts for several days.
Ménière’s disease: This is a chronic inner ear condition that can cause dizziness, vertigo, and hearing loss. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches can also cause dizziness in some people. Some migraines can cause vertigo, which can make you feel extremely unsteady on your feet. If you experience migraines and dizziness, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. This usually happens when you stand up too quickly or after prolonged periods of sitting or lying down.

Dehydration

When you become dehydrated, your blood volume decreases, which can cause your blood pressure to drop. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

Treatments for Dizziness

The treatment for dizziness will depend on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatments for dizziness:.

Inner ear exercises: If your dizziness is caused by inner ear problems like BPPV or vestibular neuritis, your doctor may recommend certain exercises to help relieve symptoms. These exercises can help to reposition the small crystals in the inner ear, and may include the Epley maneuver or the Semont maneuver.
Medications: If you experience dizziness or vertigo related to migraines, your doctor may prescribe medications to help prevent future migraines.
Increased fluid intake: If your dizziness is caused by dehydration, increasing your fluid intake can help relieve symptoms.
Changes to medication: If your dizziness is caused by medication, your doctor may recommend changes to your prescription or dosages.

Common Causes of Balance Loss

Balance loss refers to the feeling of unsteadiness or falling. It can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including:.

Inner Ear Problems

As we mentioned earlier, the inner ear is responsible for helping us maintain our balance. Consequently, inner ear problems are a leading cause of balance loss. Some common inner ear problems that can cause balance loss include:.

Labyrinthitis: This is an inflammation of the labyrinth, which is the part of the inner ear involved in balance. It can cause sudden and severe dizziness and balance loss.
Acoustic neuroma: This is a benign tumor that grows on the vestibular nerve. It can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance loss.
Perilymph fistula: This is a tear or defect in the membrane that separates the middle ear from the inner ear. It can cause dizziness, hearing loss, and balance loss.

Neurological Conditions

Some neurological conditions can also cause balance loss. These include:.

Multiple sclerosis (MS): MS is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a range of symptoms, including balance loss.
Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system and can cause tremors, muscle stiffness, and balance loss.
Cerebellar ataxia: This is a condition that affects the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain involved in coordination and balance. It can cause balance loss and difficulty walking.