Sussex Premier Health, Hastings: Important update for patients with upcoming appointments

Balance Problems Diagnosis & Treatment at Sussex Premier Health

Balance problems are conditions that make you feel unsteady or dizzy, as if you are moving, spinning, or floating, even when you are standing still or lying down. These sensations can significantly impact daily life, increasing the risk of falls and causing physical exhaustion. Sussex Premier Health provides balance disorder assessment and treatment in Sussex. Understanding the causes of balance problems is the first step toward effective treatment, as the equilibrium system relies on a complex integration of signals from the inner ear, the eyes, and the sensory nerves in the joints and muscles. When any part of this system is disrupted, a balance disorder assessment becomes necessary to pinpoint the origin of the dysfunction. Learn more about how we can help you today.

Overview of Dizziness and Balance Problems

Dizziness and balance problems are common symptoms that can arise from a wide range of underlying conditions. The causes may be relatively minor, such as short-term inner ear disturbances, or more complex, involving neurological or cardiovascular systems. Understanding whether the issue originates from the peripheral vestibular system in the inner ear or from central structures within the brain is essential for guiding accurate diagnosis and treatment. Early assessment helps determine the most appropriate clinical pathway and ensures symptoms are managed effectively.

Why us

  • Fast access to treatment when you need it
  • Internationally and nationally renowned consultants
  • Clear, inclusive pricing

ENT vs. Neurological vs. Age-Related Issues

Distinguishing between the different types of balance disorders is essential for effective vertigo treatment and management. We determine if balance issues have roots in the following:

  • ENT (Vestibular): These issues typically involve the inner ear. For example, inflammation or displaced calcium crystals in the ear canals can cause sudden spinning sensations.
  • Neurological: Conditions such as migraines, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease can affect how the brain processes sensory information, leading to persistent unsteadiness.
  • Age-Related: As we age, the sensory systems that contribute to balance naturally decline. Vision may blur, reflexes slow down, and muscle strength diminishes, often resulting in “presbyequilibrium,” or age-related balance impairment.

Common Causes of Dizziness and Balance Problems

Aetiology varies widely, with several well recognised conditions responsible for dizziness, imbalance or vertigo. Common causes include:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
    BPPV occurs when calcium carbonate crystals become displaced from the utricle and move into the semicircular canals of the inner ear. When the head changes position, these crystals shift and send incorrect signals to the brain, resulting in short but intense episodes of spinning or vertigo.
  • Meniere’s Disease:
    This chronic inner ear condition involves an abnormal build-up of fluid known as endolymph. The excess fluid disrupts normal balance and hearing signals between the inner ear and the brain, often causing vertigo, hearing changes and tinnitus.
  • Vestibular Neuritis:
    Vestibular neuritis affects the vestibular nerve, interrupting the transmission of balance and head-movement information to the brain. This leads to severe dizziness, nausea and difficulty walking, typically occurring suddenly.
  • Cardiovascular Issues:
    Some balance problems arise from cardiovascular causes. These may include sudden drops in blood pressure or reduced blood flow, both of which can lead to lightheadedness, faintness or unsteadiness.

Balance Assessment and Therapy

A comprehensive assessment for balance disorders often involves a battery of diagnostic tests designed to pinpoint the source of the dysfunction. These evaluations typically include

  • Hearing Exams: A hearing exam helps us rule out cochlear involvement in balance issues.
  • Videonystagmography (VNG): We use a VNG to measure involuntary eye movements that indicate vestibular issues.
  • Posturography: A posturography assesses how well a patient maintains stability under different sensory conditions.

Why Choose Us for Balance and Vestibular Services?

Choosing Sussex Premier Health for balance and vestibular rehabilitation ensures access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists dedicated to personalised clinical excellence. Our facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, allowing for precise assessments that form the foundation of our bespoke treatment plans. Patients benefit from a supportive environment where expert physiotherapists utilise evidence-based techniques to accelerate recovery and improve long-term outcomes. By prioritising individual patient needs and providing rapid access to consultations, we offer a seamless pathway from initial symptoms to restored stability and peace of mind.

Regain Your Balance in Sussex Today

Sussex Premier Health is your trusted private healthcare provider. We’ll determine the cause of your balance and vestibular issues to find the most effective treatment. Contact us today to schedule a balance specialist consultation.

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