what happens in your head to make you lose balance?
Try fluid imbalance in the inner ear.
The vestibular system (otolith organs and semicircular canals in the inner ear) govern balance by influencing muscle tension, mainly through the cerebellum (a part of the brain near the back of the head just above the neck).
I searched Google under the key words "balance loss semicircular canals otolith" to get these possible sources:
http://www.physpharm.fmd.uwo.ca/undergrad/sensesweb/L10Balance/L10Balance.swf
(Broken Link Removed)
http://www.ohiohealth.com/bodymayo.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=6&action=detail&ref=1338
Although this might be more information than you want, I hope it helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
In order to understand what happens in your head to make you lose balance, we need to explore the role of the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
The main component of the vestibular system is the inner ear, which consists of the cochlea (responsible for hearing) and the vestibular organs. The vestibular organs, specifically the semicircular canals and the otolith organs, detect the rotation and linear movement of your head.
When you move your head, fluid inside the semicircular canals also moves. This movement stimulates hair cells, which convert the fluid movement into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to the brain for processing.
Any disruption or improper functioning of the vestibular system can lead to problems with balance. Here are a few examples of conditions that can result in balance issues:
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals dislodge and migrate into the semicircular canals. This disrupts the normal flow of fluid and leads to episodes of vertigo and loss of balance.
2. Vestibular Neuritis: This condition is caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, most commonly due to a viral infection. It can result in sudden onset vertigo, dizziness, and impaired balance.
3. Meniere's Disease: Meniere's disease is an inner ear disorder that involves abnormal fluid accumulation in the ear. It can cause episodes of severe vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and imbalance.
4. Head Trauma: Any trauma to the head, such as a concussion or injury to the inner ear, can affect the vestibular system and lead to balance problems.
When your vestibular system is compromised, it can cause a mismatch between the signals from your inner ear and other sensory systems, such as your vision and proprioception (sense of body position). This mismatch can result in dizziness, unsteadiness, and difficulty maintaining balance.
If you experience persistent balance issues, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. They can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options to improve your balance.