Meniere’s disease is the most commonly known inner ear disorder that causes dizziness and hearing loss, but many other inner-ear conditions can cause similar symptoms.

These include:

• Labyrinthitis
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
• Vestibular neuritis – similar to labyrinthitis but without hearing loss
• Vestibular hypofunction - the reduced function of one or both inner ears

Medical conditions not related to the inner ear can also either cause or contribute to dizziness.

These include:

• Changes in eyesight or poor eyesight
• Arthritis in bones and joints
• Reduced sensation in the feet and toes
• Cervical spine disorders
• Low blood pressure
• Stroke or lack of blood flow to the brain
• Vascular or other circulatory problems
• Various cardiac conditions
• Migraine headaches
• Hypothyroidism
• Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Chiari malformation, and damage from neurotoxic medications
• Anxiety

Balance disorders are complex problems that require a multi-disciplinary team approach. This team may include a neurotologist, cardiologist, neurologist, primary care physician and vestibular therapist.