About B. Todd Troost, MD Expertise vertigo, benign positional vertigo, BPPV, and related ailments.
Experience
Past/Present clients More than 2000 patients with vertigo.
Chairman of Neurology Department for 18 years and examiner for American Board of Neurology for over 25 years. Extensive information is provided on my commericial free website at www.ivertigo.net
Expert: B. Todd Troost, MD Date: 10/5/2002 Subject: imbalance
Question I was diagnosed with positional vertigo few years back. Basically, I do not have the spinning sensation. My problem is more of a sense of imbalance or unsteadiness, lightheadedness when walking or standing still. Recently, I feel that when I put on my contact lenses, the vertigo problem seems to worsen. I feel even more light-headed, and there is this heavy and tired sensation around the eyes. I have gone for an eye check-up, and there's no problem basically. I was told that my eyes are too tired. However, when I wear my glasses instead of the contact lenses, this heavy sensation disappears, and I don't feel as unbalanced. Is there a link between the eyes and vertigo? And what can I do to improve this condition? Thanks.
Answer Dear Joyce:
There is a significant link between vision and balance. After the inner ear function, vision is the main stabilizer; so if you have more problems with your contacts on there is something wrong with your contact prescription and you may need to see another different optometrist.
Chances are most of your imbalance is still a residual of your positional vertigo and you should do a few weeks of the home exercise therapy to improve you balance.
The exercise therapy for postional vertigo is described at: http://ivertigo.net/vertigo/vertherapy2.html
Make sure to read the link where it says: Quick Review for Patients. I would recommend you do the Brandt-Daroff home exercise therapy with 20 repetitiions twice a day for at least three weeks. If you still have problems then you must see a Neurologist who is interested in balance disorders or perhaps have an Eply Maneuver performed.
