Balance Disorders Specialist
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Irfan Lalani, MD, PA
Neurology & Pain Management Physician located in Sugar Land, TX
If you feel dizzy or unsteady, you may have a balance disorder. Irfan Lalani, MD, PA in Sugar Land, Texas, board-certified neurologist Dr. Lalani specializes in diagnosing and treating balance disorders at his private practice. He can determine the underlying cause of your dizziness and develop a plan that alleviates your symptoms. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today.
Balance Disorders Q & A
What are balance disorders?
Though it’s not uncommon to feel dizzy or a bit unsteady on your feet every once in a while, with a balance disorder, these feelings may be a chronic problem that disrupts your daily activities.
Balance disorders include various conditions that make you feel dizzy or unsteady when standing, sitting, or lying down. These disorders may develop from any number of causes, including medications, an underlying health condition, or problems with your inner ear or brain.
The vestibular system located in your inner ear plays a vital role in helping you maintain your sense of balance.
What are the types of balance disorders?
There are many types of balance disorders. However, most involve problems that affect your vestibular system, such as:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
With BPPV, you experience brief, intense episodes of vertigo when changing head positions. BPPV may occur after a head injury or a condition that damages the inner ear.
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an infection in the inner ear that makes you feel dizzy and off-balance. This balance disorder may occur after a respiratory infection such as the flu.
Ménière's disease
Ménière's disease is an inner ear disorder that causes dizziness, ringing in the ear, and hearing loss. This balance disorder develops from abnormalities in the structure of the inner ear.
Vestibular neuronitis
Vestibular neuronitis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which may occur from a viral infection.
Perilymph fistula
With a perilymph fistula, fluid from your inner ear leaks into your middle ear. This type of leaking may occur after a head injury, sudden change in air pressure, or chronic ear infections.
How are balance disorders diagnosed?
Dr. Lalani conducts comprehensive history and physicals to diagnose balance disorders. He also runs diagnostic tests, such as blood work, imaging scans of your brain and ears, or eye movement measurement, to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
Dr. Lalani may also request you undergo a hearing test.
How are balance disorders treated?
Treatment for balance disorders depends on your diagnosis. Dr. Lalani takes an individualized and multi-disciplinary approach to care and works one-on-one with you to develop a plan that alleviates your symptoms.
Treatment may include:
- Disease-specific medication
- Physical therapy
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
- Lifestyle modifications
- Surgery
Most importantly, Dr. Lalani spends time talking to you about your diagnosis and treatment options so you can make the most informed decisions about your care.
Call the office of Irfan Lalani, MD, PA, or book an appointment online to schedule your balance disorder consultation today.