Our sense of balance is the most important aspect of movement and walking that is never really thought about unless it is lost. These senses of spatial perception provide input to a person who is either moving or in a moving environment. In many instances where someone suffers from balance disorders, others around do not understand the difficulty that these conditions can create. Balance disorders may result in near total disability that can lead to job loss and relationship difficulties. Those without balance disorders have no sense of the disabling effect that this condition has on such simple tasks as reading, driving, walking or even watching events.
A person's sense of balance is derived from a number of inputs that the body receives through both visual and tactile perceptions which is incorporated with the vestibular system in the ear and brain that results in a multi-sensory input system to adjust and control body movement through space. An impact on any of these input systems may result in profound changes in a person's life. Something as simple as a blow to the head, a medication overdose, or a neurological condition can alter a person's balance. In many instances, the condition either may not be recognized, diagnosed or treated properly. Sometimes, the condition may be resolved through a series of movements called the "Eppley" or "Semont" maneuvers. In other cases there may be no treatment that can resolve the condition, and the individual suffering from the condition may have to receive special therapy to help avoid exacerbating the condition.
In a number of injury claims an injured claimant may suffer from episodes of dizziness or vertigo. There are a number of causes that may result in these symptoms which can range from medication issues to a head blow. In some cases balance disorder may diagnosed as a condition called BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), a vestibular injury, post-traumatic endolymphatic hydrops, post-concussive syndrome, simple vertigo or dizziness. These symptoms may be mild or traumatic. It is important that any complaints of dizziness or vertigo be explained to your doctor and fully investigated.
Regardless of how the condition developed, the impact may be profound. In the event that you have suffered from one of these conditions as a result of negligence, ensure that your attorney understands the significance of the injury, its impact on your life and on the value of your claim.
