Does it feel like you have lost
your sense of balance? Perhaps you know someone else who appears to have a
problem with his or her sense of balance. Be aware that this can be a
frightening experience for anyone.
For example, you may have a child that
appears to fall over when he or she gets out of bed, or you may feel a sense of
imbalance and disorientation, as you walk around the room. Perhaps you see
someone walking down the street and wonder what is wrong with that person, as
he or she is not walking right. You wonder if he or she might be
drinking or on drugs.
What is actually happening when
a person loses his or her sense of balance?
When there are problems with
the human vestibular system or the inner ear, it affects a person’s sense of
balance. This may also present with other medical symptoms.
The article, “Dizziness,
Vertigo, and Imbalance” suggests
“Vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus,
and hearing loss are typically associated with inner-ear diseases as opposed to
CNS diseases.”
Inner ear problems can occur at
any age, including those resulting from ear infections common in children. When
the inner ear canal becomes blocked, or does not drain properly, a person’s
sense of balance is adversely affected.
Early examination, diagnosis
and treatment of any ear infections are important, as that can prevent serious,
neurological problems from occurring later.
Being aware of possible causes
of the loss of one’s sense of balance is important.
“Definition
of vestibular disorders” lists
vestibular system disorders that can affect one’s balance.
“Disorders of the body's
balance (vestibular) system in the inner ear due to a tremendous range of
conditions including vertigo, Meniere's disease, acoustic neuroma, multiple
sclerosis, syphilis, trauma, ear infections, medications toxic to the ear
(ototoxic drugs), epilepsy (seizure disorders), etc.”
Parents and others often become
seriously concerned when they see a child or someone else who appears to have
lost his or her sense of balance, as it can be alarming.
Initial medical investigation
will likely reveal that the balance problem is not as serious as it initially
appears. At times, the balance problem may resolve itself without extensive
medical treatment, but there are times when medical treatment is required.
When a person continues to have
a problem with his or her balance, over a long period further investigation may
reveal serious medical problems.
Ear infections or persistent
problems with one’s ears usually indicate the need for medical treatment by a
professional medical physician. The same is true for problems with one's sense
of balance.
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