Balance problems affect more people than you might realize. Research from Johns Hopkins reveals that roughly one in three adults over 40 experiences some form of balance disorder, and that number climbs to half of those over 60. If you've been dealing with dizziness, unsteadiness, or unexplained falls, you're not alone—and more importantly, effective solutions are available right here in Charlotte.

Recognizing the Signs

Balance disorders manifest in different ways. You might experience sudden spinning sensations, often called vertigo. Some people describe feeling unsteady when walking or standing, as if the ground beneath them isn't quite stable. Others notice difficulty judging distances or feel more sensitive to motion than they used to be.

These symptoms can appear gradually or arrive suddenly. You might find yourself reaching for walls or furniture more often, avoiding certain head positions, or feeling anxious about activities you once enjoyed. Falls without obvious causes often serve as a wake-up call that something needs attention.

Common Causes of Balance Issues

Your balance system relies on three main components working together: your inner ears, your eyes, and sensory information from your muscles and joints. When any part of this system encounters problems, your stability suffers.

BPPV, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, ranks among the most frequent causes. This condition occurs when tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear shift out of position, triggering brief but intense dizzy spells when you move your head certain ways. The good news? BPPV often responds well to specific positioning treatments.

Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis involve inflammation of the inner ear or vestibular nerve, typically following a viral infection. These conditions can cause severe dizziness and balance difficulties, though early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.

Age naturally brings changes to your balance system, but this doesn't mean you should accept poor stability as inevitable. Many effective interventions can help maintain and even improve your balance as you get older.

Medications sometimes contribute to balance problems. Blood pressure medications, certain antibiotics, and even some over-the-counter drugs can affect your vestibular system. This makes reviewing your medications with healthcare providers an important step in addressing balance concerns.

How We Diagnose Balance Disorders

At our Charlotte practice, we use advanced diagnostic technology to identify the root cause of balance problems. Videonystagmography (VNG) testing uses specialized goggles with built-in cameras to track eye movements during various head positions. This reveals how well your inner ear communicates with your brain to maintain stability.

We also employ Topple diagnostic testing, which provides detailed measurements of your balance abilities under different conditions. This technology identifies specific areas of weakness and tracks improvement during treatment. The testing process typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and includes standing balance tests, movement assessments, and position testing.

Before your appointment, we recommend avoiding caffeine the day before testing and skipping eye makeup if you're having VNG testing. Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes, and bring a list of current medications. Having someone available to drive you home is wise, as some tests may cause temporary dizziness.

Treatment Options That Work

Once we identify the cause of your balance problems, we develop a personalized treatment approach. For BPPV, specific head positioning maneuvers performed in our office often provide rapid relief. These treatments reposition the displaced calcium crystals, resolving symptoms in many cases.

Vestibular rehabilitation involves customized exercises that help retrain your balance system. Each exercise plan addresses your specific challenges and goals. Many patients notice significant improvement within a few weeks of starting their program.

Balance retraining sessions focus on improving stability and confidence during daily activities. This might include practicing movements that trigger symptoms in a controlled, safe environment. Over time, your brain learns to compensate for the balance system changes, reducing symptoms and improving function.

Lifestyle modifications can make a substantial difference in managing balance issues. We might suggest changes to your home setup to reduce fall risks, modifications to your exercise routine, or adjustments to sleeping positions. Small changes often yield meaningful results.

We frequently coordinate care with other healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, physical therapists, neurologists, and ENT specialists. Balance problems sometimes have multiple contributing factors, and collaborative care ensures comprehensive treatment.

Taking Action for Better Balance

Balance problems don't have to limit your independence or keep you from activities you enjoy. Modern diagnostic tools can pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms, and proven treatments can restore stability and confidence.

Our new South Park office at 3900 Colony Rd., Unit B, features ground-floor access with ample parking right in front of the building. We've equipped the facility with advanced testing technology to provide you with accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

Many insurance plans cover balance testing and treatment. Our staff will verify your coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs before beginning testing, so you can focus on your recovery without financial uncertainty.

Schedule Your Balance Assessment Today

If balance problems have been affecting your quality of life, now is the time to take action. Dr. Gosu and our experienced team are ready to help you understand what's causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Call us at (704) 912-4422 to schedule your comprehensive balance assessment. Let's work together to restore your stability and help you feel confident in your movements again.