To schedule an appointment for correcting an imbalance problem with one of our ear, nose, and throat surgeons who serve the Philadelphia and Roxborough areas, please fill out the form below.
826 Main Street
Suite 201
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460
Tel: 610-415-1100
Fax: 610-415-1101
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1201 County Line Road
Suite 101
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010
Tel: 610-520-0900
Fax: 610-520-0920
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525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
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5 South Sunnybrook Road
Suite 300
Pottstown, Pennsylvania 19464
Tel: 610-326-3600
Fax: 610-326-4466
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255 Gordon Drive
Suite 101
Lionville, PA 19341
Tel: 610-524-5300
Fax: 610-524-0100
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525 Jamestown St
Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgeons — Balance Correction in Philadelphia and Roxborough
Dizziness and imbalance are very common conditions. In fact, more than 2 million people visit the doctor every year for dizziness. In addition, a large number of people visit the doctor each year for motion sickness, the most common medical problem related to travel. At Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat, our experienced surgeons provide patients in Philadelphia, Roxborough, and nearby areas with a variety of tips and treatments that can reduce and even eliminate feelings of dizziness and imbalance.
The Body's Balance System
What the body perceives as the sense of balance is actually the result of cooperative sensory input from various body systems, including the visual system, the vestibular system, and the muscular system. These nerve impulses from the eyes, ears, muscles, and joints are interpreted by the brain and help it to identify whether the body is standing upright or not and whether the body is moving or still. The eyes send visual balance cues to the brain based on what the individual is seeing. The ears also send cues to the brain that vary according to the status of liquid in the vestibular organs of the inner ear, which can sense which way the body is moving. In addition, skin, muscle, and joint receptors tell the brain what position the body is in and what parts of the body are touching the ground. These systems work together to give the brain a complete picture of the body's state of balance.
Imbalance and Dizziness
When all of the messages entering the brain from the eyes, ears, muscles, and joints agree, the brain believes that the body is in balance. However, when two or more of the signals are in conflict with the rest, the brain perceives an imbalance, which results in feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, giddiness, and unsteadiness.
Causes of Dizziness
Dizziness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Neurological diseases. Diseases such as multiple sclerosis, tumors, and syphilis, among others, can cause feelings of dizziness.
- Infections. Bacterial infections and other viruses can attack the vestibular system in the inner ear and cause dizziness.
- Injury. Head injuries can damage parts of the inner ear that sense balance.
- Circulation.Poor blood flow to the brain or inner ear can make an individual feel lightheaded or dizzy.
- Drugs. Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants are known to decrease blood flow to the brain, which can cause dizziness. A high salt intake can decrease circulation as well.
Motion and Sea Sickness
Motion sickness refers to a sick feeling characterized by headaches, sweating, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea that occurs when riding in a motor vehicle, airplane, or ship, or even while on an amusement park ride or playing a video game. Just like dizziness, motion sickness is caused by mixed messages about movement sent from the inner ear and eyes to the brain.
Motion sickness is usually a minor nuisance and usually does not warrant medical treatment. Symptoms typically disappear as soon as the motion stops. For some, motion sickness subsides after a few days. However, individuals with motion sickness symptoms that persist for more than a few days should visit one of our ear, nose, and throat surgeons for an evaluation, because they could be signs of another condition.
Tips for Reducing Dizziness and Motion Sickness
Our ear, nose, and throat surgeons recommend that patients try a variety of self-help solutions in order to reduce or even eliminate the effects of motion sickness and dizziness.
- Take an over-the-counter motion sickness medication prior to traveling (Dramamine®, Marezine®, or Bonine®).
- Avoid reading while traveling in a moving vehicle.
- Avoid talking with or looking at another traveler who is suffering from motion sickness.
- Avoid greasy or spicy foods prior to traveling.
- Avoid standing up quickly after sitting down and other rapid changes of position.
- Avoid extreme head motions.
- Avoid using caffeine, nicotine, and other products that impair body circulation.
Most cases of motion sickness and dizziness are mild and can be treated without a visit to the doctor's office. If you suspect that your case of dizziness is more severe, please schedule an appointment for an evaluation with one of our ear, nose, and throat surgeons serving Roxborough, Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, Phoenixville, King of Prussia, and nearby areas.
Balance Disorders
Balance disorders cause individuals to feel sensations of spinning, dizziness, and unsteadiness. Most balance disorders are caused by problems with the vestibular organs – the organs in the inner ear that deal with balance. Some of the most common balance disorders include Meniere's disease and vertigo.
Meniere's Disease
Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, fluctuating hearing loss, and a sensation of pressure in the infected ear. Also called endolymphatic hydrops, the disorder is the most common ear-related cause of dizziness and affects both men and women between ages 20 and 50.
Cause of Meniere's Disease
Although the cause of Meniere's disease is unknown, many ear, nose, and throat surgeons believe that the disorder is caused by a change in the volume of endolymph fluid within the inner ear. Endolymph is responsible for sending motion and balance signals to the brain. However, when too much endolymph is present, the labyrinth in the inner ear dilates and may rupture. If this happens, the endolymph can mix with another inner ear fluid called perilymph, causing the symptoms of Meniere's disease.
Treatment for Meniere's Disease
Depending on the diagnosis, Meniere's disease can be treated with minor lifestyle changes or surgery. Doctors usually recommend that patients limit the salt intake in their diets and use diuretics to reduce the frequency of Meniere's disease attacks. Individuals should also avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
Surgery for correcting Meniere's disease is only necessary when the recommended lifestyle changes do little to prevent vertigo attacks. There are three types of surgical treatments for Meniere's disease offered by our ear, nose, and throat surgeons:
- Endolymphatic shunt – a small silicone tube is placed in the inner ear to drain excess endolymph fluid. Vertigo attacks can be cured in approximately 30 to 50 percent of cases with endolymphatic shunt surgery.
- Selective vestibular neurectomy – the vestibular nerve (balance nerve) is severed, preventing the transmission of faulty balance information to the brain. This surgical method is extremely effective at curing vertigo attacks in a high percentage of cases.
- Labyrinthectomy – the labyrinth of the inner ear is destroyed and removed. Labyrinthectomy is the most effective surgical treatment for vertigo attacks and Meniere's disease. Patients are warned that they will suffer complete permanent hearing loss in the treated ear after the procedure.
These surgical procedures are extremely effective at controlling vertigo attacks and other symptoms related to Meniere's disease. Contact our ear, nose, and throat surgeons in Philadelphia near Roxborough to learn more about treating Meniere's disease.
Vertigo
Vertigo, sometimes confused with dizziness, is the feeling that the environment is spinning or whirling around you when there is actually no movement. Individuals experiencing vertigo often describe feeling lightheaded, dizzy, weak, faint, and unsteady. Vertigo is among the most common health problems in adults, with approximately 40 percent of adults experiencing dizzy spells at least once in life.
Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo can be classified under two categories: peripheral vertigo and central vertigo. Peripheral vertigo, the most common type of vertigo, is caused by problems with parts of the inner ear that control balance. Inflammation of or injury to the inner ear can cause vertigo. Meniere's disease can also cause vertigo and other dizziness sensations. Central vertigo is caused by problems with the brainstem or cerebellum. A decreased flow of blood to the base and back of the brain, as well as head trauma, can cause the condition to appear. Vertigo can also be caused by severe migraines.
Treatment for Vertigo
The treatment for vertigo that our ear, nose, and throat surgeons in the Philadelphia and Roxborough area will recommend depends on the diagnosis. Our doctors may prescribe medication for preventing motion sickness or antibiotics if vertigo results from an infection in the inner ear. Vertigo resulting from Meniere's disease may require lifestyle changes such as a low-salt diet or ENT surgery. To schedule an appointment for vertigo evaluation, please contact our ENT practice today.
Our Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgeons Can Treat Your Balance Problems
At Broker, Cramer & Swanson; Ear, Nose & Throat, the surgeons in our Philadelphia, Roxborough, and Bryn Mawr, and Pottstown offices have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating balance problems. Contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.