Balance and Vertigo

A balance disorder is a condition that causes dizziness, unsteadiness, or the sensation of movement when no actual movement is occurring. Patients may feel as though they are spinning, floating, tilting, or falling while lying down, sitting, standing, or walking. If you are experiencing these symptoms and are searching for a trusted ENT doctor in the Little Rock area, Arkansas ENT provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for balance and vestibular disorders throughout Little Rock, North Little Rock and Central Arkansas.

Balance is primarily controlled by the vestibular system, located in the inner ear. This system works closely with other sensory systems, including vision and the musculoskeletal (proprioceptive) system, to maintain stability and orientation. When signals from any of these systems do not function properly, symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance can occur.

In some cases, balance symptoms may also originate from the central nervous system, which is why a thorough medical evaluation is essential. Our North Little Rock ENT specialists perform comprehensive examinations to determine whether your balance disorder is related to the vestibular system or another underlying condition.

At Arkansas ENT in North Little Rock, AR, diagnostic testing may include:

• Comprehensive audiological evaluation
• Videonystagmography (VNG)
• Imaging studies, including MRI or CT scans
• Posturography
   

These tests allow our ENT doctors and audiologists in North Little Rock to accurately diagnose balance disorders and develop personalized treatment plans.

Balance disorder symptoms may be intermittent or constant and can persist for extended periods. Common symptoms include:

• Vertigo (spinning sensation) or dizziness
• Falling or a feeling of falling 
• Lightheadedness or faintness
• Floating sensation 
• Blurred vision
• Staggering or difficulty walking
• Confusion or disorientation
   

Additional symptoms may include changes in heart rate or blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, fear, and panic. If left untreated, balance disorders can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to depression, fatigue, or social isolation.

Our ENT doctors in North Little Rock diagnose and treat a wide range of balance and vestibular conditions, including:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV causes brief but intense spinning sensations triggered by specific head movements, such as rolling over in bed or looking up or down. Episodes typically last less than one minute and are highly treatable with canalith repositioning maneuvers, including the Epley Maneuver.

Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often caused by a viral infection. It is one of the most common causes of vertigo and balance disturbances.

Vestibular Migraines

Vestibular migraines can cause vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, with or without an associated headache.

Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus (often described as roaring), and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It may be related to fluid buildup within the inner ear.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is inflammation or infection of the inner ear (labyrinth) that causes vertigo, balance issues, and hearing loss. It is often associated with upper respiratory infections, such as the flu.

A thorough evaluation by a qualified ENT doctor in North Little Rock is essential for diagnosing balance disorders. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, we encourage you to contact Arkansas ENT to schedule an appointment:

• Do I feel dizzy?
• Do I feel as if the room is spinning or that I am spinning?
• Do I fall or lose my balance frequently? 
• Do I have blurred vision? 
• Do I feel lightheaded? 
• Do I have hearing loss or decreased hearing in one or both ears? 
• Do I experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
• Do I have pressure or pain in my ears?
• Do I have a sense of fullness in my ears?
   

At Arkansas ENT, our ENT doctors and audiologists in North Little Rock are committed to identifying the cause of balance and vertigo symptoms and providing effective, individualized treatment. We proudly serve patients throughout Pulaski County and surrounding Central Arkansas communities.

If you are searching for an experienced vertigo or balance disorder specialist in the Little Rock area, Arkansas ENT offers expert evaluation, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate care close to home.

Learn more about balance disorders, vertigo and dizziness on our blog.