Peer Reviewed

When your brain is expending all its energy keeping you balance, there isn’t a lot left over for other cognitive processes. As a result, many vestibular patient struggle with attention, concentration and memory, and may feel disoriented and confused. Activities that were automatic, that you never had to even think twice about, now have to be meticulously focused on and thought about. Thankfully, there are ways to combat and overcome these difficulties and improve functioning.

Many patients with inner ear balance disorders also suffer from hearing loss. What is the connection between hearing and balance? How do hearing aids help, and what kinds of hearing aids are appropriate for people with balance-related hearing loss?

We’ve all seen the words “complementary,” “alternative,” and “integrative,” but what do they really mean? According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “CAM” (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. Integrative medicine combines conventional and CAM treatments for which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness.

Originating in China centuries ago, Tai Chi is a martial art characterized by gracefully flowing movements and postures. Extensive medical literature, as well as the direct experience of physical therapists and other clinicians, supports Tai Chi as an excellent complementary therapy to vestibular rehabilitation. This article discusses the benefits of using Tai Chi to improve balance.

Proper footwear can help improve balance, especially in older people who may struggle with mobility and balance issues. In this article you will learn about:
– What to look for in the structure of a shoe.
– Which shoes contribute to fall risk.
– Is it beneficial to walk barefoot?
– What shoes are safest for people with increased fall risk?
– Where to shop for shoes that will support your mobility.

Some common questions about the effects of travel on people with vestibular dysfunction include:

“Will travel increase symptoms?”
“Should I avoid travel?”
“What is the best form of travel?”
“What can I do to minimize discomfort while traveling?”

Travel conditions that may be problematic for a person with a vestibular disorder include those that involve exposure to rapid altitude or pressure changes, certain motion patterns, or disturbing lighting. Travel decisions that accommodate a person’s vestibular disorder will depend on the type of vestibular disorder, the method of transportation (e.g., train, boat, airplane, automobile), and the conditions and planned activities at the destination.

Why is it so difficult to find a diagnosis for vestibular disorders? Many people who suffer from dizziness, imbalance, or vertigo have trouble finding out why. Dizziness and vertigo are not actually “diagnoses,” they are

The vestibular system includes the inner ear balance organs and the parts of the brain that coordinate and process balance information. The balance organs contribute vital sensory information about motion, equilibrium, and spatial orientation. In

The peripheral vestibular system includes the organs of the inner ear, also known as the labyrinth, which contains two primary structures: the cochlea, responsible for hearing, and the vestibular apparatus, responsible for maintaining balance, stability and spatial orientation.

The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, aging, or injury, vestibular disorders can result, and are often associated with one or more of these symptoms, among others:

– Dizziness
– Imbalance
– Vertigo
– Tinnitus
– Hearing loss
– Brain fog
– Vision impairment
– Cognitive changes

And more…

Good balance is often taken for granted. Most people don’t find it difficult to walk across a gravel driveway, transition from walking on a sidewalk to grass, or get out of bed in the middle of the night without stumbling. However, with impaired balance such activities can be extremely fatiguing and sometimes dangerous. Symptoms that accompany the unsteadiness can include dizziness, vertigo, hearing and vision problems, and difficulty with concentration and memory.

EXPLORE VESTIBULAR DISORDERS & SYMPTOMS The Glossary The Glossary provides definitions and information about terms you may come across in your research on vestibular disorders. You can use this resource to search for specific terms