Balance & Vertigo
Clarity and support when the world won’t stop spinning.
If you’ve ever experienced motion sensitivity, felt dizzy, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning around you — you’re not alone. These episodes may be brief or persistent, but they’re always disruptive and sometimes even frightening.
At Saginaw, we help patients get to the root of balance issues and vertigo. Whether it’s related to your inner ear, a chronic condition, or something else entirely, we’ll work with you to understand what’s going on and find a path forward.
If dizziness or balance problems are interfering with your daily life, schedule an appointment today. We’ll help you regain steady footing.
Common Symptoms
Balance disorders and vertigo can show up in different ways depending on the cause. You may experience:
- Spinning or swirling sensations (vertigo), even when standing still
- Lightheadedness or feeling faint
- Motion sensitivity
- Unsteadiness or difficulty walking in a straight line
- A sense of being pulled to one side
- Nausea, vomiting along with motion or dizziness
- Blurred vision or trouble focusing during movement
- Fear of falling or avoiding movement to prevent symptoms
How We Diagnose
Vertigo and balance issues often start in the inner ear, but they can also be linked to other systems in the body. Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and physical exam, and may include:
- Hearing tests to check for inner ear involvement
- Balance testing (VNG or ENG) to evaluate how your eyes and ears work together to maintain balance
- Positional tests, such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, to trigger and observe vertigo
- Bloodwork or blood pressure testing if other medical causes are suspected
- Imaging (CT or MRI) if we need to rule out neurological conditions or more complex causes
We’ll take the time to explain what we find and help you understand your options.
Treatment Options
Treatments for vertigo and balance problems depend on the cause — but most are very manageable with the right plan. Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend:
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy to retrain your balance system and reduce symptoms — often a key part of your overall treatment plan
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers to treat BPPV — including the Epley maneuver, which helps move crystals out of the inner ear
- Medications to reduce nausea, inflammation, or dizziness
- Lifestyle recommendations to minimize triggers, such as dehydration or sudden head movements
- Hearing aids or tinnitus management if hearing loss or ringing in the ears is involved
- Treatment for underlying conditions such as Meniere’s disease or vestibular migraine
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that feels like the room is spinning around you. Other forms of dizziness — like feeling unsteady, wobbly, or off balance — are often related to different causes. We’ll help you figure out what type you’re experiencing and what’s behind it.
Vertigo is often caused by inner ear issues such as BPPV, Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis. Sometimes it’s related to other health conditions or medications.
Not necessarily. While balance can decline with age, persistent unsteadiness or dizziness may indicate a treatable condition — and it’s worth getting checked.
Some forms of vertigo, like BPPV, may resolve with movement or specific maneuvers. Others need treatment or therapy to fully improve.
Most causes of vertigo are not dangerous, but they can affect your quality of life and increase your risk of falling, which can be detrimental to your overall longevity as you age. We’re here to help you feel more stable and confident.
Take the First Step Toward Steady Ground
If you’ve been feeling dizzy or off balance, Saginaw is here to help. Schedule an appointment today and let’s figure it out.