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How Neurology Can Help With Dizziness and Balance Problems

Sandeep Dhanyamraju
Medically reviewed by Chaitanya Bonda
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Sandeep Dhanyamraju
Medically reviewed by Chaitanya Bonda

Feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or like the world is spinning can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Whether you’re trying to walk to the kitchen, climb stairs, or enjoy a day out with friends, dizziness and balance issues can disrupt your routine and lower your quality of life. 

These problems often start in the brain and nervous system. They work together to keep you steady and coordinated. That’s where neurology comes in. It’s a field that focuses on understanding and treating conditions affecting: 

  • The brain
  • Nerves
  • Related systems

Neurologists are experts on why dizziness or trouble with balance happens and finding ways to help. From getting back to work to enjoying hobbies, addressing these issues with professional help can restore independence. It can make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

When Dizziness Becomes a Neurological Concern

Most people experience dizziness now and then. It might happen if you’re dehydrated, tired, or stand up too quickly. These moments usually pass quickly and aren’t a big problem. But dizziness can also stick around, happen often, or come with symptoms like: 

  • Blurred vision
  • Trouble walking
  • Numbness
  • Confusion

In these cases, it could point to a neurological problem. Neurologists are trained to look beyond common causes of dizziness. And they can investigate whether the issue lies in the brain, nerves, or the vestibular system. This is the complex network in your inner ear and brain that helps you stay balanced.

The vestibular system is like your body’s internal GPS. It tells your brain where your head and body are in space. If something disrupts this system, like faulty nerve signals or a problem in the brainstem (the part of the brain that coordinates movement and balance), you might feel dizzy, unsteady, or like you’re spinning. 

Common Neurological Causes of Dizziness and Imbalance

The-Role-of-Vestibular

Dizziness and balance disorders can stem from several neurological conditions. Each condition affects the body’s ability to stay stable in different ways. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Vestibular Migraine. These are more than just headaches. They can cause intense dizziness, a spinning sensation (called vertigo), and trouble staying steady. This can happen even without a headache. Triggers like stress, bright lights, or certain foods can mess with the vestibular system. This makes you feel off-balance. For some, these episodes last minutes; for others, they can linger for days.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS damages the protective coating around nerves. It can disrupt the signals that help you move and stay balanced. People with MS might feel wobbly. They can have trouble walking in a straight line or experience dizziness when changing positions. This can feel like your body isn’t responding the way it should.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy. This happens when nerves, especially in the feet or legs, are damaged. It’s often from diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or certain medications. Without clear signals from these nerves, your brain struggles to know where your body is in space. This leads to unsteadiness or balance disorders. You might feel like you’re walking on uneven ground, even on a flat surface.
  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This common condition occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear get dislodged. This confuses the vestibular system. This causes brief but intense bursts of dizziness. This is especially true when you move your head in certain ways. For example, looking up or rolling over in bed.
  • Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). A stroke or mini-stroke in the brainstem or cerebellum (the brain’s balance center) can cause sudden dizziness and trouble with coordination. These are serious and need immediate attention.

Each condition affects the vestibular system or the brain’s ability to process balance signals differently. A neurologist’s job is to find which one is causing your symptoms and tailor a treatment plan to address it.

How Balance Disorders Are Diagnosed in Neurology Clinics

Diagnosing dizziness and balance disorders is like solving a puzzle. Neurologists use a combination of tools and tests to find the cause. Here’s how they typically approach it:

  • Neurological Exams. These tests check how well your brain and nerves are working. A neurologist might ask you to walk heel-to-toe, stand with your eyes closed, or follow a moving object with your eyes. They’ll also test your reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation to see if there’s a neurological issue at play.
  • Imaging Tests. Scans like MRI or CT can reveal problems in the brain. For example, tumors, strokes, or lesions. They all might cause dizziness or balance issues. These images give a clear view of what’s happening inside.
  • Vestibular Function Tests. These focus on the vestibular system. Tests like electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG) track eye movements to see how well your inner ear and brain work together. Another test, called posturography, measures how stable you are on a moving platform.
  • Hearing Tests. The vestibular system is close to the hearing system in the inner ear. This is why audiometry tests can help spot issues that affect both hearing and balance.
  • Blood Tests. These can rule out other causes of dizziness, like low vitamin B12 levels or thyroid problems. Those can mimic neurological issues.

By combining these results, doctors get a complete picture of what’s causing your balance disorders. This detailed process helps them avoid guesswork. They can then focus on treatments that address the root problem.

The Role of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Recovery

For many people dealing with dizziness and balance disorders, vestibular rehabilitation offers a powerful, non-invasive way to improve. This therapy is designed to retrain your brain to handle balance challenges better. This is especially true when the vestibular system isn’t working properly. It’s like teaching your brain new tricks to make up for faulty signals.

In vestibular rehabilitation, a trained therapist creates a personalized exercise plan. This is usually based on your symptoms and test results. These exercises might include:

  • Gaze Stabilization. Moving your head while focusing on a fixed point to reduce dizziness.
  • Balance Training. Standing on foam pads or uneven surfaces to improve stability.
  • Habituation Exercises. Repeating movements that trigger dizziness to help your brain get used to them. This reduces symptoms over time.
  • Strength and Coordination Drills. Building muscle strength and improving how your body moves to prevent falls.

For example, someone with BPPV might do specific head movements to reposition crystals in the inner ear. At the same time, someone with a vestibular migraine might focus on exercises to improve coordination. The key is consistency. Doing the exercises regularly, even if they feel tricky at first, leads to better results. Starting therapy early can speed up recovery. This is because the brain is more adaptable when the problem is caught sooner. Over weeks or months, vestibular rehabilitation can help you feel steadier. This can reduce dizziness and boost your confidence in daily activities like walking or driving.

Modern Neurological Treatments for Balance Disorders

Why-Seeing

Modern neurology clinics offer a wide range of treatments to address dizziness and balance disorders. They’re tailored to each person’s needs. Here are some of the most effective options available today:

  • Medications. Depending on the cause, neurologists might prescribe drugs to manage symptoms. For vestibular migraines, medications like beta-blockers or anti-seizure drugs can reduce dizziness. Anti-nausea drugs can help during severe episodes. At the same time, steroids might help with inflammation-related issues.
  • Physical Therapy. Beyond vestibular rehabilitation, general physical therapy strengthens muscles in the legs and core. This can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Therapists might use tools like balance boards or resistance bands.
  • Assistive Devices. For people with severe balance disorders, devices like canes, walkers, or specialized shoes can provide extra stability. These tools help people stay active and safe while recovering.
  • Neurostimulation Techniques. Cutting-edge treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or vagus nerve stimulation are being explored. These use gentle electrical signals to stimulate parts of the brain, potentially improving how the brain processes balance signals.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments. Neurologists often recommend changes like managing stress, staying hydrated, or avoiding triggers. This helps support other treatments.

Remember, every case is unique. This is why neurologists create personalized plans. For example, someone with peripheral neuropathy might need a mix of physical therapy and vitamin supplements. At the same time, someone with a brainstem issue might benefit from medications and neurostimulation. This customized approach leads to better outcomes and helps people get back to their normal lives.

Why Seeing a Neurologist Can Make All the Difference

When dizziness or balance problems won’t go away, a neurologist’s expertise is unmatched. Unlike general practitioners, neurologists specialize in the brain, nerves, and vestibular system. This makes them uniquely qualified to tackle complex balance disorders. They don’t just treat symptoms. They dive deep to find the causes of dizziness, whether it’s a neurological condition, a vestibular issue, or something else entirely.

Neurologists use advanced tools like imaging, vestibular tests, and detailed exams to get answers. From there, they offer targeted treatments. They range from vestibular rehabilitation to medications or innovative therapies like neurostimulation. This precision means you’re not stuck trying one-size-fits-all solutions that might not work. Instead, you get a plan designed for you, whether it’s to stop dizziness, improve balance, or prevent falls.

Living with dizziness and balance disorders can feel isolating. However, neurologists offer hope. Their expertise can help you regain control, move confidently, and enjoy life again. If you’re struggling, don’t wait. Consulting a neurology clinic could be the first step toward feeling steady and strong.

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Lone Star Neurology
4.5
Based on 905 reviews
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Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
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