#The long dark difficulties series

The semicircular canals contain three fluid-filled ducts, which form loops arranged roughly at right angles to one another. Within the labyrinth are structures known as semicircular canals.

Structures of the balance system inside the inner ear The part of the ear that assists in balance is known as the vestibular system, or the labyrinth, a maze-like structure in your inner ear made of bone and soft tissue.

#The long dark difficulties series

Your sense of balance relies on a series of signals to your brain from several organs and structures in your body, specifically your eyes, ears, and the muscles and touch sensors in your legs. Unfortunately, many balance disorders start suddenly and with no obvious cause.

Your risk of having balance problems increases as you get older. Problems that affect the skeletal or visual systems, such as arthritis or eye muscle imbalance, can also cause balance disorders. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness when you stand up too quickly. What causes balance disorders?Д¬auses of balance problems include medications, ear infection, a head injury, or anything else that affects the inner ear or brain. Symptoms may come and go over short time periods or last for a long time, and can lead to fatigue and depression. Other symptoms might include nausea and vomiting diarrhea changes in heart rate and blood pressure and fear, anxiety, or panic.

Lightheadedness, faintness, or a floating sensation.

Falling or feeling as if you are going to fall.

Dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation).

If you have a balance disorder, your symptoms might include: What are the symptoms of a balance disorder? A balance disorder can profoundly affect daily activities and cause psychological and emotional hardship. Balance disorders can be caused by certain health conditions, medications, or a problem in the inner ear or the brain. For one person, dizziness might mean a fleeting feeling of faintness, while for another it could be an intense sensation of spinning (vertigo) that lasts a long time.ДЄbout 15 percent of American adults (33 million) had a balance or dizziness problem in 2008. If you are walking, you might suddenly feel as if you are tipping over.Д®veryone has a dizzy spell now and then, but the term вЂњdizzinessвЂќ can mean different things to different people. If you are standing, sitting, or lying down, you might feel as if you are moving, spinning, or floating.

Congressional Testimony and the NIDCD BudgetДЄ balance disorder is a condition that makes you feel unsteady or dizzy.

Institutional Research Training Programs.

Types of Research Training Funding Opportunities.

About NIDCD's Research Training Program.

Scientific Workshop and Meeting Reports.