Balance disorders are characterized by either an acute disorder, which can occur suddenly, where there is a whirling sensation of spinning or vertigo.  This sometimes will occur suddenly.  Some of the diseases that can cause this are labyrinthitis and Meniere’s disease.  All of this usually requires evaluation by a physician treating ear conditions.  Many of these people are seen in emergency rooms, who can give them temporary relief, but cannot perform the evaluation that is necessary to determine the cause of the dizziness.  Our facility has a vestibular laboratory to evaluate dizziness conditions.

Chronic balance disorders may be secondary to more serious problems in the inner ear, such as a tumor involving the acoustic nerve, and rarely, neurologic problems can also be a source of balance disorder.  Again, this requires an evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat physician and sometimes requires the services of a neurologist if it has been determined that it is not caused by the inner ear.  Any balance disorders that do not resolve within two to three weeks require medical evaluation for a further evaluation and treatment.