Is the rest of the world spinning or is it just me?

A recent study estimates that up to 35% of adults aged 40 years or older in the United States have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction, often including dizziness . You feel dizzy, now what? 

Get informed: Balance and vestibular disorders

Knowledge is power.

Understanding balance and vestibular disorders and how they may be affecting you is the first step to empowerment.

Do you remember when you were first introduced to gravity? Well, over the years (for better or worse) gravity and I have become good friends and I have the bumps and bruises to prove it. Luckily for us, we can function while interacting with our friend gravity through balance. 

Essential to balance is our vestibular system. The vestibular system includes the inner ear and specific portions of the brain. It works to reflexively help with compensatory movement and body adjustments, helping us feel and perceive gravity and movement. 

When there is an injury, damage or disease to the vestibular system it can affect balance, causing dizziness and unsteadiness. Some common vestibular disorders include: 

•    Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
•    Labyrinthitis
•    Vestibular neuritis
•    Meniere’s disease 

There is hope! 

Seek help - dizziness and balance disorders can be frightening, frustrating, and life-altering. Fortunately, there are resources to further understand and manage your symptoms. Talk to your family doctor about your symptoms and find a vestibular specialist in your area.

You are not alone and there are resources and trained specialists that can help guide you on your journey! 

Click here to watch a series of videos on the vestibular system, the most common causes of vertigo, dizziness and balance issues, and how to find relief: http://bit.ly/2A0V3k1

For further information and a list of qualified Lifemark vestibular specialists https://www.lifemark.ca/services/dizziness-balance