One of the main systems is in the ear. Three structures, the semicircular canals, let us know where we are in space. There are three semicircular canals, the superior, posterior, and horizontal. They are fluid-filled. Motion of the fluid tells us if we are moving. These canals, along with the visual and skeletal systems have specific functions that determine an individual's orientation. The vestibule is the region of the inner ear where the semicircular canals converge close to the hearing organ portion of the ear. The vestibular system works with the visual system to keep objects in focus when the head is moving. Joint and muscle receptors also are important in maintaining balance. The brain receives, interprets, and processes the information from these systems that control our balance.

Movement of fluid in the semicircular canals signals the brain about the direction and speed of rotation of the head; whether we are nodding our head up and down or looking from right to left for example. Each semicircular canal has an enlarged portion that contains hair cells. Motion of the head causes the fluid to move, which in turn causes movement of the hair cells. Two other organs that are part of this system are responsible for detecting linear acceleration, or movement in a straight line. The hair cells of these organs are blanketed with a jelly-like layer studded with tiny calcium stones. When the head is tilted or the body position is changed with respect to gravity, the displacement of the stones causes the hair cells to bend.

The balance system works with the visual and skeletal systems to maintain orientation or balance. For example, visual signals are sent to the brain about the body's position in relation to its surroundings. These signals are processed by the brain, and compared to information from the ear and the skeletal systems. An example of interaction between the visual and ear systems is the involuntary rhythmic eye movement that occurs when a person is spun around and then suddenly stops.

“The balance system works with the visual and
skeletal systems to maintain orientation or balance.”

When balance is impaired, an individual has difficulty maintaining his/her orientation. Some of the symptoms a person with a balance disorder may experience are:

• A sensation of dizziness or vertigo
(spinning)

• Falling or a feeling of falling

• Lightheadedness or feeling woozy

• Visual blurring

• Disorientation

Some individuals may also experience nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, faintness, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, fear, anxiety, or panic. Some reactions to the symptoms are fatigue, depression, and decreased concentration. The symptoms may appear and disappear over short time periods or may last for a longer period of time.

Common causes of balance problems can include infections (viral or bacterial), head and or neck trauma, disorders of blood circulation affecting the neck, certain medications, and aging. People with some illnesses, injuries of the visual or skeletal systems such as eye muscle imbalances and arthritis for example, may also experience balance difficulties. A conflict of signals to the brain about the sensation of movement can cause motion sickness. A good example of this is when an individual tries to read while riding in a car. Some symptoms of motion sickness are dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and generalized discomfort. Balance disorders can be due to problems in any of four areas:

• Problems in the ear itself

• Problems with the way the brain coordinates signals from different parts of the body

• Injury or disturbances in joints like the neck joints or the jaw joint

• Blood flow problems

Again, common causes of this can run the gamut from allergic reactions, to imbalances in your jaw muscles, chronic neck problems to chronic infections, just to name a few.

“Some symptoms of motion sickness are dizziness,
sweating, nausea, vomiting, and generalized discomfort.”

Your history of when you have these attacks helps us to determine what the most probable causes are. If you have problems with your balance or know someone who does, keep a diary of when the attacks occur and what you have been doing before the attacks occur. Bring this to the office so we can discuss possible causes, as well as do appropriate testing to determine the cause of this problem.

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