Top 10 Facts
Download this one-page flier to help raise awareness about vestibular disorders.
- Your balance system lives inside your inner ear.
The word “vestibular” refers to the tiny balance organs in your inner ear. They work together with your eyes, muscles, and joints to tell your brain where your body is in space. When this system is off, even standing still can feel like moving on a rocking boat.
- Dizziness is common—but not normal.
More than 35% of U.S. adults over 40 have experienced a vestibular problem at some point, according to CDC data. Newer research suggests that balance problems affect 1 in 3 adults over age 65, making dizziness one of the top reasons older adults see a doctor.
- Vestibular disorders have many causes.
These can include inner-ear infections (labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis), Ménière’s disease, vestibular migraine, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), head injury, autoimmune disorders, ototoxic (ear-damaging) medications, and age-related degeneration.
- Symptoms go far beyond dizziness.
People with vestibular disorders may experience vertigo (a spinning sensation), unsteadiness, nausea, visual blurring, light or sound sensitivity, and overwhelming fatigue. “Brain fog” and anxiety are also common because the brain must work extra hard to keep balance.
- Vestibular problems can affect how you think.
Research shows that vestibular dysfunction is linked to difficulty with memory, reading, and concentration. The balance system shares deep brain pathways with attention and spatial orientation—so when one system falters, mental clarity can too.
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy works.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)—a form of specialized physical therapy—can retrain the brain to adapt to balance changes. Studies show that 70–90% of patients improve with VRT when they stick with a personalized program.
- Movement helps your brain recover.
Low-impact activities such as Tai Chi, yoga, or gentle walking improve balance and confidence. Even virtual reality and gaming systems that challenge posture and coordination are being studied as fun tools to enhance vestibular recovery.
- Vestibular disorders are invisible—but real.
You can’t see dizziness. Because people with balance disorders often look fine, they may be misjudged or dismissed. This invisibility can lead to isolation, depression, or loss of work—making understanding and empathy essential.
- Space science helped us understand balance.
NASA’s work with astronauts—who lose balance cues in zero gravity—sparked decades of vestibular research. Today, scientists use similar technology and sensors to study balance on Earth, helping patients with dizziness regain stability.
- Support and knowledge make a difference.
You’re not alone. Connecting with others who understand what it’s like to live with dizziness can be life-changing. Visit vestibular.org to find education, support groups, and the Dizziness, Vertigo & Imbalance Patient Registry, which drives research toward better treatments.
