Balance is necessary for you to walk, move, and go about your regular activities. For the body to have normal balance, many systems such as the brain, nerves, inner ears, heart, joints, and muscles have to function properly. When they don’t function properly or fail to communicate correctly, you can experience vertigo and balance disorders.

Balance disorders and vertigo are caused by

• Inner ear (vestibular) disorders like BBPV, infections, swelling, or noncancerous tumours.  
• Neurological disorders such stroke, neuropathy Parkinson’s disease, migraine & Alzheimer’s.
• Other causes: Heart disease, head injury or trauma, medication side effects, and so on.  

Because vertigo and balance disorders are indicative of serious underlying conditions, they must be comprehensively evaluated by a Chronic Dizziness Treatment Specialist in South Delhi like Dr. Rahul Chawla for an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Common Symptoms People Ignore

Here are the common symptoms of Balance Disorders:  

• Vertigo or a distressing, false sense of spinning or motion
• Dizziness or floating sensation
• Light-headedness or faintness
• Loss of balance, unsteadiness, or wobbliness
• Loss of coordination
• Faling or feeling like you are falling
• Confusion or disorientation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Vision changes such as blurriness

The following are lesser-known symptoms that people don’t associate with vertigo and balance disorders.

• Ringing in the ears
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
• Fear, anxiety, or panic
• Headaches or neck stiffness
• Motion sickness
• Involuntary eye movements

When to Worry?

You must see a medical professional if you experience:

• Persistent symptoms or frequent dizzy spells
• Severe vertigo (even if the spells are brief)
• Vertigo/ dizziness following a head injury/ trauma
• Frequent falls, unsteadiness, or disorientation

If vertigo/ dizziness is accompanied by facial dropping, slurred speech, blurred vision or other stroke symptoms, it is a medical emergency and you must reach the hospital within an hour of its onset.

How is Diagnosis Done?

Diagnosing balance disorders requires a systematic protocol to find the exact source.

Initial Consultation: The doctor will listen to your concerns first and then ask questions about your symptoms and medical history to gather necessary information to make a diagnosis. If vertigo or balance disorders are accompanied by stroke symptoms, the doctor will initiate rapid assessment and emergency care for brain preservation.

Clinical Examination: The doctor will conduct a thorough physical and neurological examination to understand if you are experiencing vertigo and balance issues because of neurological or vestibular conditions.

Diagnostic Tests: Depending upon the need, the doctor may order one or more diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose the condition. The tests may include:

• Advanced CT & MRI imaging
• Vestibular test battery
• Head impulse test
• Hearing test
• Rotating chair test
• ENG or Video ENG test
• Posturography
• Blood tests

Treatment Approach for Vertigo and Balance Disorders

Treatment for Vertigo and Balance Disorders will vary depending upon the source, severity, and underlying cause of the imbalance. Dr. Rahul Chawla, a trusted vertigo specialist in South Delhi, uses an evidence-based approach to develop individualized treatment plans for balance disorders caused by neurological conditions. His focus is to improve the patient’s quality of life, reducing the risk of falls & injuries and restoring confidence to engage in daily activities.

Medications: Based on the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe medications for alleviating vertigo symptoms and/or addressing underlying neurological conditions (migraines/ vascular issues).

Physical Therapy: The doctor may suggest specialized physical therapy and rehabilitation to help the patient improve balance and coordination and address dizziness.

Adjunctive Therapies: Depending about the patient’s condition, the doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises.

Safety Measures: To prevent injuries, the doctor may suggest practical changes to your home or workspace, such as improving lighting, removing trip hazards (like rugs), or installing grab bars in bathroom.

Lifestyle & Dietary Modifications: Avoiding triggers such as alcohol and caffeine, exercise, stress management & dietary changes may be recommended.

Surgical Interventions: Where the underlying causative condition necessitates, the doctor may recommend surgical interventions.

Common Myths About Vertigo and Balance Disorders

Myth	Fact
Vertigo is a disease/ disorder.	Vertigo is a symptom, not a disorder or disease by itself. It is a signal that something is wrong with your vestibular (inner ear) or neurological (brain) systems. When the underlying issue is not identified and treated, the balance disorder and vertigo can get worse with time.
Vertigo means fear of heights.	Vertigo is not acrophobia or a fear of height. Vertigo is a false sense of motion or spinning, leading to imbalance, disorientation, and falls. Vertigo attacks may happen anytime and at any place, even when you are standing, sitting, or lying down, not only at heights (even though the unsteadiness may increase at heights).
Vertigo and balance disorders cannot be treated.	Most balance disorders are treatable. Treatments for vertigo & balance issues help patients reduce fall and injury risks and regain confidence to engage in regular activities. The treatments will vary depending upon the source, severity, and underlying cause of the imbalance.
Home remedies cure vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems.	Home remedies mask symptoms. Home remedies such as ginger, lemon and hydration may provide temporary relief for symptoms like dizziness and nausea, but don’t fix the underlying issue. In fact, if the underlying neurological or vestibular condition is not identified and addressed, vertigo and balance problems will only worsen.
Dizziness is a normal part of aging.	Dizziness and vertigo are never normal. While some balance problems are more common with age, persistent symptoms is a sign of dysfunction. Vertigo affects people of all ages, including children and young adults. With proper diagnosis and individualized treatment, the patient’s quality of life can be significantly improved.

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