What causes balance disorders? – The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

Patients and Visitors › Essential Patient and Visitor Information › Coming for a Specialist Appointment? › Specialist Clinics › Balance disorders › What causes balance disorders?

Balance is controlled by a part of the brain called the cerebellum, which receives information about the body’s position in relation to the environment.

It receives this information from the inner ear vestibular system, eyes and sensors in the skin, muscles and joints.

Balance disorders can be caused by damage to:

the vestibular system in the inner ear
the cerebellum
the body’s sensory receptors, or
a combination of any of these

This damage can be caused by infections which lead to inflammation, a head injury, changes associated with ageing, and other diseases. Anxiety and stress can also make dizziness symptoms worse.