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Help Raise Awareness For Vestibular/Balance Disorders Beyond Balance Awareness Week!

Every September, the Vestibular Disorders Association celebrates Balance Awareness Week to raise awareness and increase understanding of vestibular/balance disorders which are debilitating yet may seem “invisible” to others, and help improve the quality of life of millions of people world-wide who are living with chronic dizziness and imbalance.  Find out how you can get involved and help “Defeat Dizziness” at www.vestibular.org/baw. 

As a part of Balance Awareness Week 2018, the Vestibular Disorders Association launched a “Did You Know” online campaign with facts about vestibular/balance disorders.  Share this information to help raise awareness beyond Balance Awareness Week!

Did You Know?

• 35% of adults aged 40 years or older have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction.

• Vertigo from a vestibular problem accounts for 1/3 of all dizziness and vertigo symptoms reported to healthcare professionals.

• 80% of people with vertigo have an inner ear disorder.

• Vestibular disorders affect more Americans than type II diabetes, asthma, fibromyalgia and celiac disease combined.

• Dizziness is a common symptoms affecting about 30% of people over the age of 65.

• On average, a vestibular patient sees 5-7 doctors before being diagnosed.

• Your body uses your vision, sense of touch and inner ear to help you maintain balance.

• Just getting out of bed can be difficult when you have an inner ear disorder.

• Inner ear disorders overload your brain, making it hard to think, speak, or read.

• Some people with inner ear disorders appear drunk when they walk and slur their speech.

• Lying back, such as at the dentist or hairdresser, can cause the crystals in your inner ear to fall out of place, causing spinning vertigo.

• Grocery stores, restaurants, move theaters and large crowds can be difficult environments for someone with a vestibular disorder.

• Social events can be too loud and busy for vestibular patients.

• Inner ear problems can lead to social isolation, anxiety and depression.

• Vestibular disorders can cause or worsen anxiety, depression, migraines and pain.

• Inner ear problems can trigger the “fight or flight” response, causing a heightened state of anxiety.

• “But you look fine!” doesn’t mean you are fine.

• Your pet can have inner ear problems, too.

Click to download PDF: Vestibular Disorders An Overview VeDA Infographic

Click to download PDF: Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo VeDA Infographic

See also:  Vestibular Disorders An Overview Article

To learn more about vestibular and balance disorders, visit: www.vestibular.org

Balance Awareness Blog Posts:

Raise Balance Awareness

Balance Awareness Facts, Figures & Trivia

Balance and Falls Prevention Awareness

A Balancing Act: Improving Balance and Preventing Falls

Exercise & Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance

*How Seattle Dizzy Group is Making a Difference for Balance Awareness*

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