Balance Disorders: When Your World Feels Like It’s Spinning Out of Control

Some people experience feelings of “spinning” out of control, a term known as “vertigo”. They may feel their balance is “off”. Additionally, they may experience nausea and vomiting. What do we know about these symptoms?

A French physician, Dr. Prosper Meniere, described a medical condition in the late 19th Century caused by a disorder of the inner ear. It has come to be known as “Meniere's Disease”. An attack of Meniere's Disease is believed to be triggered by fluctuating pressure of fluid within the inner ear.

When one is about to have an attack of Meniere's Disease, one typically feels a sense of fullness or pressure in one or both ears. In most cases, only one ear is involved but about 25 percent of Meniere's sufferers experience symptoms in both ears. One may also experience fluctuations in hearing and a feeling of being "off-balance" before the onset of an attack of Meniere's.

An attack of Meniere's Disease is unpleasant. Some persons drop to the ground because their vertigo is so severe. When this occurs, it is best to lie flat on the ground, avoid drinking liquids and avoid rising until the vertigo passes. At all times, it is best for individuals with Meniere's Disease to avoid drinking alcohol or drinks with caffeine such as caffeinated coffee, tea or soft drinks. The attack may last, on average, from two to four hours. Some attacks come in rapid succession in which case the individual experiences multiple attacks over a short period of time. But, this is not always the case; some persons with Meniere's Disease may not have an attack for months or years even though they may experience feelings of imbalance or tinnitus--a sensation of "ringing" in the ears.