Why Am I Dizzy?

Spinning, Dizziness or Falling Can Mean the Complex System That Looks After Our Balance Isn't Working Properly

Dizziness can be caused by the balance organs of the inner not working properly

Our bodies have a complex system to look after our balance that includes the inner ear, brain, vision, muscles and joints. If any part of this system isn't functioning, the result can be a feeling of spinning, dizziness or falling. Many adults feel dizzy, and there can be many possible reasons, but one of the more common culprits is that the balance organs of the inner aren't working properly, or that some parts of the central nervous system that process information about balance aren't working properly.

The word 'dizziness' means different things to different people. People using that word may be trying to describe vertigo (spinning), feeling faint or light-headed, disequilibrium (loss of balance) or unsteadiness, falling, nausea, a sense of exaggerated motion or just feeling "off". The better you are able to describe what you mean by 'dizziness', the easier it is for your medical provider to try to diagnose what is going on.

Vertigo Usually Indicates a Problem with the Function of the Inner Ear

According to the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA), if you have vertigo (a sense of spinning or whirling), especially when you tilt or move your head around, that is likely a sign of a problem with the function of your inner ear. On the other hand, dizziness can mean that there is a different type of vestibular problem or other issues such as vision, metabolism, neurological, psychological or cardiovascular. Since there are so many different types of dizziness and possible disorders that dizziness can be a result of, it is sometimes challenging for medical professionals to diagnose, and difficult and frustrating for patients until help is found.

Many things can be the cause of dizziness, from ear infections or trauma to an ear, to Meniere's Disease, to medications, to age-related degeneration, to central processing issues such as a stroke, to migraine-associated vertigo, to cardiovascular problems, to the neck, among other causes.

Assessment is Crucial in Finding the Cause of Dizziness and Vertigo

The assessment stage of vestibular treatment is crucial in trying to find the cause of dizziness and vertigo. At LifeMark Dizziness & Balance Program, we take a thorough medical history first and screen for neurological problems. Our vestibular assessment includes vestibular-ocular reflex testing, or testing of the integration between the inner ear and the eye muscle to see if you can focus clearly while your head is in motion. It also includes many tests using an infrared camera in blackout goggles to check for nystagmus, which is an involuntary eye movement associated with vestibular problems. We also evaluate your sensitivity to specific movements and positions, your balance, and the possibility that other areas are contributing to your symptoms like your feet or neck.

Contact us with your questions!