Balance Disorders – Vertigo

Vertigo is the feeling that the surrounding is spinning or whirling despite being stationary. It differs from dizziness in such a way that the feeling of movement is an illusion. It is often associated with problems with the vestibular system in the ear that is in charge of balance. Often, it involves the words spinning, whirling, tilting and falling with difficulty in walking or standing.

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There are two types of vertigo depending on the object that is moving. When one feels like his head is moving, it is known as subjective vertigo. When it is the surrounding that is moving, it is known as objective vertigo.

Vertigo happens when there is a discrepancy in the signals sent to the brain by various organs involved in balance and position. The brain is dependent on the four inter-related signals in order to maintain balance and orientation to the surroundings. They include:

  • Eyes – the vision is the prime source of information regarding position and movement in reference to the rest of the world. It is a powerful aspect of balance that it overrides the other balance-sensing systems.
  • Sensory Nerves – these keeps track of the changes in the position of the legs, arms and torso. Upon detection, the body will then make certain changes in posture in order to accommodate and maintain balance.
  • Pressure on the skin – this sensation details the body’s motion and position in relation to gravity.
  • Labyrinth – this portion of the inner ear including the vestibule and the semicircular canals has specialized cells whose function focuses on motion and changes in position.