Problems with balance occur whenever there is a disruption in any of the vestibular, visual, proprioceptive or cognitive systems.
Symptoms of a balance disorder may include dizziness, vertigo (spinning), disequilibrium (off balance and falls), pre-syncope (light headedness).
There are various options for treating balance disorders. One option includes treatment for a disease or disorder that may be contributing to the balance problem, such as ear infection, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. Individual treatment will vary and will be based upon symptoms, medical history, general health, examination by a physician, and the results of medical tests. Most types of balance disorders will require balance training, prescribed by a physiotherapist.
An otolaryngologist, a physician/surgeon who specialises in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck, sometimes with expertise in balance disorders may help to evaluate a balance problem.
Only a few private hospitals provide the extensive resources required for balance disorder treatment. The major private balance disorder treatment centres are concentrated in the London area.
