Are there ways to treat dizziness and balance disorders?
September 14, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Jonas Schmitt
Dear Neurologist,
My name is Andreas Wittik and I have been suffering from severe dizziness and balance disorders for some time. These symptoms occur sporadically and significantly impact my daily life. I have already undergone various tests to find the cause of my complaints, but so far no clear diagnosis has been made.
The dizziness often feels like a spinning sensation that occurs suddenly and gives me a feeling of disorientation. Sometimes I also feel nauseous and have to sit down to avoid falling over. The balance disorders make it difficult for me to move safely, and I constantly feel like I am at risk of stumbling or falling.
I am very concerned about my health and quality of life, as these symptoms recur frequently and weigh heavily on me. Therefore, I am wondering if there are ways to specifically treat dizziness and balance disorders and alleviate my complaints. What therapy options are available to me, and what steps should I take next to improve my symptoms?
I thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Andreas Wittik
Dear Mr. Wittik,
Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms. Dizziness and balance disorders can have various causes, and it is important to make an accurate diagnosis in order to initiate targeted treatment. It is good that you have already undergone various tests to rule out possible causes.
The spinning dizziness and feeling of disorientation you described may indicate a disorder in the inner ear's balance organ, also known as the vestibular apparatus. This organ is responsible for perceiving movement and body position in space. Balance disorders can also be caused by problems in the central nervous system, such as damage to the brainstem or cerebellum.
There are various treatment options for dizziness and balance disorders. One important measure is Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, which aims to improve balance and strengthen spatial orientation. This involves performing specific exercises to train the balance organ and alleviate symptoms.
Medication therapies can also be used to treat dizziness and balance disorders. These often include medications that suppress dizziness attacks and relieve nausea. It is important that these medications are taken under medical supervision, as they may have side effects.
Additionally, psychological support may be beneficial in coping with distressing symptoms and learning stress management strategies, as stress can exacerbate dizziness and balance disorders.
As a next step, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a specialized neurologist or ENT doctor to undergo further diagnostics. This may involve additional tests such as a balance assessment or an MRI of the head to identify the cause of your complaints.
It is important to be patient and not be discouraged. With targeted treatment and support, dizziness and balance disorders can be managed. Do not hesitate to seek professional help and take further steps to improve your symptoms.
I wish you all the best and hope that you will soon find a suitable treatment for your complaints.
Sincerely,
Jonas Schmitt, Specialist in Neurology / Nervous System Disorders
