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The vestibular system includes structures in the inner ear and brain that helps maintain your sense of balance. It helps your body understand how it’s moving and how things are moving around it to help maintain balance and steadiness. This means that when you experience dizziness or disorientation, you may have issues with your vestibular system.

Myth: Dizziness and balance disorders are simply inconvenient and not that harmful.

Fact: Untreated dizziness and balance disorders can increase fall risk and may result in hip fractures, broken bones, and head trauma.

Common causes of vestibular balance disorders include use of some medicines, middle ear infections, circulation issues, or brain-related problems that may have been caused by a traumatic brain injury (TBI). An audiologist or ENT can help diagnose vestibular disorders through hearing tests, including ENG (electronystagmography) and VNGs (videonystagmography), vision exams, blood tests, and imaging. There are also balance tests like posturography that evaluate posture and movement.

Vestibular disorder treatments depend on the underlying cause. If there is an ear infection causing balance issues, antibiotics and anti-fungal treatments will help clear it. Otherwise, changes in lifestyle and other forms of rehabilitation may be needed. Working with a physical therapist can help manage dizziness and vertigo symptoms through doing eye movement exercises, balance retraining and stretching and strengthening your body.

Are you struggling with balance or dizziness? Get evaluated at the Pacific EarClinic! The PEC is open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, email earclinic@pacificu.edu or call 503-352-2962. Additionally, students, staff, and faculty can make appointments with Physical Therapy through the Pacific Interprofessional Clinic located on the Hillsboro campus.