Dizziness & Balance
Dizziness and Balance Disorder Evaluation
Dizziness is a broad word. Vertigo, lightheadedness, imbalance and unsteady walking have different causes and different treatments, and describing the sensation precisely is the most useful part of the evaluation. Falls in particular deserve assessment, because the contributing factors are often correctable.
Symptoms and patterns
- Spinning sensation triggered by head or position change
- Lightheadedness on standing
- Constant unsteadiness while walking
- Veering to one side or needing to touch walls
- Falls, near-falls or fear of falling
- Associated hearing change, numbness, weakness or double vision
Causes that are considered
- Inner ear disorders, including benign positional vertigo and vestibular neuritis
- Blood pressure and medication effects
- Peripheral neuropathy with loss of position sense
- Cervical spine and orthopedic contributors
- Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders
- Cerebellar disorders and prior stroke
- Vision problems and deconditioning
Evaluation
- Neurological and gait examination
- Positional and vestibular testing where indicated
- Orthostatic blood pressure measurement and medication review
- Laboratory studies
- Imaging when central causes are suspected
- EMG or nerve testing when neuropathy is suspected
Strength, balance training and fall prevention
Once the cause is identified, function is addressed directly. Progressive lower-body and trunk strength training, specific balance training, and vestibular rehabilitation when appropriate are the interventions with the best support for reducing falls.
Practical steps matter just as much: reviewing medications that cause lightheadedness or sedation, correcting vision, treating foot problems, choosing supportive footwear, improving home lighting, and removing tripping hazards. Assistive devices are recommended when they increase safe activity rather than reduce it.
Dizziness that requires emergency care
Frequently asked questions
- What causes balance problems?
- Common contributors include inner ear disorders, blood pressure or medication effects, peripheral neuropathy, joint and muscle weakness, vision problems, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or prior stroke. More than one is often present.
- Can balance be improved?
- Frequently, yes. Targeted balance training, strength work and correcting contributing factors improve stability for many patients, even when the underlying condition is chronic.
Request a Neurology Appointment
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment," or call 815-337-7100 to schedule. Our office will follow up to confirm your evaluation.
In-person visits and televisits (telehealth) are both available.
What happens after you text
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment." Our office calls you back to schedule — you do not need to fill out a form.
When you'll hear back
Texts and calls received during office hours are typically returned the same business day. You can also call 815-337-7100 directly.
Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
Please do not send urgent or emergency medical information by text. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. Please avoid sending sensitive medical information by ordinary SMS unless instructed otherwise.