Vertigo: The Sort Of Problems That Cause Balance Disorders
Three sensory systems primarily govern our balance. These are the visual system, dependent on the eyes, the inner ear (or vestibular) system, and the general system of sensory experiences, run by joint, muscle, and skin position sensors.
The brain is constantly fed information about our position in the space we occupy by these three systems. The brain processes this vital information in order to adjust the position of our limbs accordingly. In most cases, this happens sub-consciously and we are not aware of the incredibly subtle changes that go on within us.
When we experience Vertigo, which is the sensation of movement that is not actually happening, it can often be attributed to one or more of these sensory systems failing, or the brain failing to processes the data properly (which I discuss later). Firstly, the three sensory systems and how they can cause balance disorders, or Vertigo:
Visual
The eyes give the brain clues about where we are in the environment that we are occupying. They tell it where the body is pointing, and direction it is travelling in. One theory about sea sickness is that while the eyes see steady surroundings, like a cabin, the ears can sense movement, and this causes confusion in the brain. Disorders of the visual system, such as glaucoma and cataracts, can cause systems of Vertigo and balance disorders.
Inner Ear
The structure of the inner ear is somewhat like a level tool used in carpentry. It measures movement, both rotational and linear. There are a number of disorders of the inner ear that can cause balance disorders: ear infections, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere syndrome are common ones.
General Sensory System
There are sensors in the skin, muscles, and joints that detect motion, position and pressure. They provide subtle but important information to the brain that allow us to shift balance, and compensate where necessary to maintain balance. Any disorder in the general sensory system can create problems for the brain in determining where to shift weight to in the body.
Brain
As the brain processes information from the sensory systems explained above, any malfunction of the brain can lead to balance disorders. Problems that occur with the brain or Central Nervous System include strokes, tumors, head trauma, dementia or other degeneration, and migraines.
Sometimes the brain does not get a sufficient flow of blood, and this is common in elderly people. This can cause dizziness, especially when getting up from a seated position.
The bodys balance system depends on a number of functions working well. There are many different causes for vertigo and balance problems, but research in this area has shown that most sufferers root causes can be identified and thus a program of treatment employed.
About the Author: Beth McGrath runs an information and support website for people looking for a vertigo cure or remedy. There is also a new forum for vertigo sufferers. See http://www.vertigoremedy.com
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