I work in a physical therapy clinic that specializes in treating balance problems. Our balance is possible through a complex interaction between muscles, joints, and sensations that work together to keep us upright. There are three systems of balance that make it possible for our brain to interpret the position and movement of our body. They are:
The Somatosensory System
This system involves your sense of touch, pressure, and sense of position in your joints and skin. It relies on the ability of
your feet to communicate to your brain pressures on the bottom of your feet and legs and the position of the joints in your leg (e.g., bent or straight). It provokes responses from your muscles and joints that help you keep your balance on those surfaces.
The Visual System
This system involves your eyes. Visual signals are sent to your brain from your eyes and work to maintain your balance
while viewing your surroundings, whether stationary or moving.
The Vestibular System
This is the inner ear equilibrium system that is made up of fluid filled canals and small organs that have crystals embedded in them. This fuid moves every time we move our head and pushes on sensors that send signals to the brain telling us which way is up and which way is down no matter which position or head or
body is in.
Many patients both young and old experience dizziness. Often the dizziness is due to multiple factors. BPPV - benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is most common. This is when something disrupts the small crystals within the hair like structures within the semicircular canals of the ears. When these crystals break free, the can block the fluid movement within the inner ear causing dizziness - spinning feelings to occur when in certain positions. Many patients who have this quit moving into positions that cause their symptoms. They often sleep in a recliner chair, for fear of rolling over in bed creating symptoms. They quit moving their head and neck through its full range of motion. This begins a spiral down in health, where ultimately they quit doing activities they enjoy due to fear of dizziness.
Good news though this is a treatable condition. We use canalith positioning maneuvers to remove the crystals, then we reteach the brain and body how to balance without the sensations of dizziness. Often we must address posture, tight neck and chest muscles, weakness in the eyes, speed of eye movements - called gaze stabilization, and gradually increase visual stimuli. This strengthens the vestibular system which has become weak.
Today I read an interesting article about a man driven to attempt suicide due to Mal de Debarquement Syndrome
I found it very interesting apparently, it is rare per the literature to have this condition, however, in our clinic, we have had several cases in the last year. After travel on a ship, the brain cannot find the horizon to focus on. We use a machine called Bertec Computerized Dynamic Posturography - where the patient stands on a force plate that measures their sway, while they stare at a circle projected in front of them. We gradually add complex backgrounds of lines moving laterally, up and down, and gradually increase the number of lines and their movement. This helps the brain re-learn where to find the horizon. There are also multiple eye exercises and balance exercises. We have had great success with this treatment.
I hope those of you who are impacted by feeling dizzy can find a physical therapy location near you to get help. I work at FYZICAL which is found throughout the United States and a couple of locations in Europe. Find a good vestibular therapist and get help. We have had patients who have suffered for many many years, and with a good skilled therapist get help in a very short period of time.