The semicircular canals are filled with fluid and together, make up something called the labyrinth. The semicircular canals, utricle and saccules of the membranous labyrinth are the structures of equilibrium (balancing). Whenever one gets tilted or displaced the hair cells of the cristae and maculae are stimulated by the movement of the endolymph and otoloth. The stimulus is carried to the brain through the auditory nerve and the change of the position is detected by the medulla oblongata of the brain. After that the brain sends impulses to the muscles to regain the normal conditions.

This dizziness is not a disease in itself; dizziness is a symptom of many different diseases and disorders. Know some things that may affect your balance, thus causing you to be dizzy.

*Benign Positional Vertigo: This is a condition that occurs when the head is held in certain positions. The dizziness is accompanied by spinning sensations and twitching of the eyeballs and possibly nausea. It is caused by tiny deposits of debris in the inner ear that interfere with balance or equilibrium. Since the inner ear cannot be accessed because it is behind the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, nothing can be done for this condition. The cause of the debris is unknown. Prevention of the dizziness episodes is best accomplished by avoiding positions known to cause it. It may go away spontaneously and reoccur at random. In severe cases, surgery can be done, which may entail hearing loss, due to rupturing of the ear drum.

*Motion sickness: If you have ever been reading or even just looking down in an automobile while traveling, and felt dizzy and even developed a headache and nausea, motion sickness cause dizziness. Dizziness occurs anytime the equilibrium is off balance. Motion sickness can also occur on a boat or plane, as well. These generally cause drowsiness. One thing the person who develops car sickness can do is not read or look down while traveling, but look outside and perhaps have some fresh air. There are certain medications for motion sickness and vertigo, such as Dramamine. Best herbal remedy is to have ginger tea before traveling and in between your journey.

*Labyrinthitis: This is an inflammation of the labyrinth which makes up the semicircular canals in the inner ear, and is responsible for our balance. The canals can become infected, usually by a virus. Inflammation disrupts the movement of the fluid, thus disrupting our balance. Symptoms are dizziness, a spinning sensation, possibly headache and nausea, and being off balance. The dizziness and spinning sensations usually come in episodes and disrupt balance, and last from a few seconds to several minutes. Unfortunately this type of virus can take up to several weeks to resolve. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics and have to run their course. Labyrinthitis caused by bacterial infection from the middle ear is rare but possible and complications include: deafness and meningitis, if not treated with antibiotics properly and promptly.

*Meniere's disease: Meniere's disease affects more people than we know because many people do not seek medical treatment for this disorder, but choose to fight this private hell alone. Meniere's disease is caused by an increase in the fluid in the inner ear, or semicircular canals. The symptoms include: ringing (or possibly buzzing or humming) in one or both ears, dizziness or vertigo- severe at times, feeling of pressure or pain in ear, nausea/vomiting, hearing loss. Again these attacks or episodes usually occur sporadically, days, weeks, months or years apart. There seems to be times of exacerbations and remissions. The episodes are believed by some to be brought on by viruses or other illnesses, stress, cold temperatures, sinus and allergies, just to name a few. There is no cure for this disorder. Treatment is palliative, which means the symptoms are treated. These include: medications such as Phenergan for nausea and vomiting, fluid pills can be given to reduce excess fluid in the inner ear canals and in the body in general, and fiorinal (prescription), is usually given for migraines that can accompany the attacks. If it is severe, surgery can be done that can cause deafness. Possible long-term effects of the disease include deafness.

Dizziness is a symptom of many diseases. Here are some of them Diabetes, hypoglycemia, hypertension, hypotension, sinusitis and anemia. If the dizziness occurs very often, consult your doctor.

From Express Newsline