Riverview Health

Be Sure on Your Feet

Millions of women have balance disorders. Often, doctors have a difficult time developing an accurate diagnosis because “dizziness” is such a subjective term. For some women it can be a feeling of unsteadiness, while others experience the whole room spinning around them.

Dizziness can affect your independence and quality of life, as well as causing feelings of nausea, depression and fatigue. If dizziness has you bothered, keep reading to learn what you can do to be sure on your feet.

It’s not “all in your head”

Many women are surprised to learn their balance problems don’t originate in their minds or brain, but rather in their ears. While low blood pressure or anxiety may be the causes in rare cases, dizziness is commonly the result of some inner ear imbalance. A variety of tests may be performed to determine the cause of dizziness:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Laboratory tests (such as blood work or allergy testing)
  • Electronystagmography (ENG): This test measures and records your eye movements as you perform a series of visual tasks and as you move into different body positions. During the final portion of the test, small amounts of both cold and warm water will be put in your ears. The test assists in pinpointing the source of the problem.

Treatment of dizziness

Medication and surgery are available, but healthcare providers have found that vestibular rehabilitation often helps correct inner ear problems. During vestibular rehabilitation, a qualified therapist will assign exercises that combine specific head and body movements with eye exercises. With time and consistent work, the improved coordinated effort between the eyes, ears and body can greatly improve balance.

Get balanced to get better

Technology has provided a variety of new testing procedures enabling doctors to better diagnose dizziness than ever before. Treatments have improved as well, enabling people with inner ear troubles to enjoy an improved quality of life.

Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.

Sources: AudiologyAwareness.com, Dizziness-and-Balance.com,Vestibular.org

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