Equilibrium
How Equilibrium Works

Dizziness, vertigo and imbalance are the second most common complaints heard in doctor's offices. National Institute of Health statistics indicate that dizziness will occur in 70% of the nations population at sometime in their lives. Although very common, acute or chronic problems with equilibrium may indicate serious health risks, or limit a persons everyday living.

Equilibrium disorders may be described in two categories. The first is dizziness, vertigo or motion intolerance that may occur in acute or sharp attacks lasting only seconds or some times for hours. This may simply be caused or worsened by rapid head movements, turning too quickly or while walking or riding.

The second is a sense of imbalance, unsteadiness or what some people refer to as a loss of surefootedness.

Dizziness, Vertigo, and Motion Intolerance

The primary organ of equilibrium in the human body is located in the inner ear. The fluid filled inner ear serves as both the sense organ for spatial orientation and head movement as well as hearing. The inner ear, is the body's gyroscope, telling the brain at all times where the head is in space.  The balance portion of the inner ear is referred to as the labyrinth or vestibular system. There is a set of three semi-circular canals, and other structures in each ear. It is the movement of the fluid through these canals which constantly informs the brain as to the direction and the speed at which the head is moving in. The vestibular system then directs the movement of the eyes to correspond with the head movement.

If for any reason there is an abnormal increase or decrease in the signal being sent to the brain, from any of the balance canals, the brain will perceive this as an exaggeration or hallucination of motion. The result is that we commonly term dizziness or vertigo.

Changes in the equilibrium portion of the inner ear may be caused by illness, infections, disease, head trauma or simply the natural aging process.  For others, motion sickness may be traced to their early childhood and remain through adulthood. Motion intolerance may be in the form of a sense of exaggerated motion, especially while trying to focus the eyes, or an inability to watch moving objects while the person is stationary, such as an escalator or rapidly moving traffic.

Although symptoms may only last for several days it is not uncommon if left improperly diagnosed or treated to linger for years. The good news is that according to the National Institute of Health - 90% of all causes of dizziness can be found after a thorough evaluation. 85% are caused by inner ear disturbance. The good news is that most balance problems can be treated medically, surgically or with vestibular rehabilitation.

Loss of Balance and Unsteadiness

Loss of balance and unsteadiness are changes often seen as a function of aging. Fear of falling is the number one health concern of individuals in their later years. This fear appears not to be unfounded as the National Institute of Health statistics indicate that balance related falls account for 50% of accidental deaths in the population over 65. In addition, nearly 300,000 hip fractures and 3 billion dollars in medical expense is due to balance related falls.

Human equilibrium is a complex interaction which requires correct input from three sensory receptors... The inner ear, vision, and somatosensory, which is our contact with the earth as perceived by our feet, ankles, muscles and joints. All three signals must then be correctly received by our central nervous system. Then the cerebellum which is the motor control portion of the brain must execute the correct movement of our musculoskeletal system, so that we may maintain our cent