“A change in any part of the system could contribute to changes in your balance,” he says. That makes balance disorders tricky to diagnose. “But your balance system isn’t just your inner ear,” Hoa says. They communicate with your brain to give you a sense of your body’s position. Tiny organs in your inner ear form the core of your balance system. You might have blurred vision or feel confused or disoriented. Or you could feel like you’re suddenly tipping over while you’re walking. You may feel like you’re moving, spinning, or floating, even if you’re sitting or lying still. “Pay attention to things that aren’t normal for you.” Michael Hoa, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at NIH. “If your symptoms are severe, or last for a long time, that’s an indication to have things checked out,” says Dr. But some things can cause long-term balance problems. Usually, a disruption in balance is temporary. These may include infection, stroke, or a tumor.

Health problems that affect your inner ear or brain can also throw off your balance. Some medications can make you feel dizzy. Being hungry or dehydrated may make you feel lightheaded. “But we’re not usually aware of it, unless it’s broken.” David Newman-Toker, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins University. “Balance is really your sixth sense,” says Dr. Balance problems also increase the risk of dangerous falls.

If it gets disrupted, you may struggle to work, study, or even do simple daily activities. You need your sense of balance to stand, walk, bend down, drive, and more.

The long dark condition