Whether a particular balance disorder has a cure is often dependent on its cause. Many balance disorders can be cured or managed with treatment.
A balance disorder is a condition that causes unsteadiness, dizziness, or disorientation.
Balance disorders can occur due to problems with the inner ear, brain, or other underlying health issues. Certain medications may also cause balance problems as a side effect.
Some balance disorders resolve quickly, while others may require long-term medication and management. Treatment may involve addressing the cause as well as targeting the symptoms. In some cases, a cure is possible.
Keep reading for an overview of balance disorders, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
The question of whether balance disorders are curable conditions depends largely on the cause. Some causes that
Temporary balance disorders caused by certain medications should resolve after the course of medication is complete or shortly thereafter. Make sure to discuss stopping any medications with your doctor.
Sometimes, balance disorders can be a symptom of other conditions. If those conditions are treated, the balance disorder may resolve as well. This may be the case for balance disorders caused by:
- low blood pressure
- stroke
- tumors
- cardiovascular disease
- anxiety
- depression
Some causes currently have no cure, though treatments can help to alleviate the symptoms. An example is Ménière’s disease.
If your doctor suspects you may have a balance disorder, they may refer you to a specialist, such as an otolaryngologist, an audiologist, or both.
An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). An audiologist is a doctor who specializes in hearing and vestibular functioning.
Tests your doctor may order to help diagnose a balance disorder include:
- hearing tests
- imaging scans of the head and brain
- blood tests
- posturography, which measures how well you can maintain your balance under different conditions
- rotational chair testing, which measures and records eye movements while you sit on a rotating chair
- a brisk head-shake testing, which assesses eye movements following vigorous head shaking
The best treatment for balance problems depends on the cause. The table below shows some common causes and their associated treatments.
| Cause | Treatment options |
|---|---|
| benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) | • repositioning maneuvers to help clear the semicircular canal of debris • surgery if repositioning maneuvers are not effective |
| labyrinthitis | • rest and hydration, which is sufficient in many cases • a steroid injection through the ear drum into the middle ear space • antiviral medications for viral labyrinthitis • antibiotic medications for bacterial labyrinthitis • steroids or other immune-modulating medications for autoimmune labyrinthitis |
| Ménière’s disease | • diuretics to reduce fluid in the inner ear • balance therapy or vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) • injectable medications into the ear to help control severe vertigo • surgery, in severe cases |
| vestibular neuronitis | • vestibular suppressants to help treat symptoms such as dizziness and nausea • steroid medications • VRT |
| perilymph fistula (PLF) | • restricted physical activity in the case of trauma-induced PLF • a blood patch procedure, during which a doctor injects your own blood into your middle ear to help regenerate the damaged membrane • surgical PLF repair |
| Mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) | • a low dose of the anti-seizure medication clonazepam • VRT • brain stimulation therapy |
Balance disorders are conditions that cause vestibular symptoms such as dizziness, disorientation, or unsteadiness.
There are many potential causes of a balance disorder. Most often, the cause originates in the vestibular system located in the inner ear. Other health conditions and taking certain medications may also cause balance disorders.
Some balance disorders go away on their own, while others may require treatment or long-term management. Certain balance disorders are curable, while others are not. If you have an incurable condition, treatments may still help you manage the symptoms.
You can talk with your doctor or treatment team for more information about your specific balance disorder, its associated treatment options, and its outlook.