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MS ExplainedBalance problems and dizziness

The body uses the complex interaction of a variety of sources to maintain an idea of how it fits in with its environment, such as whether it is upright or maintaining balance. This requires the coordination of information from vision, from the balance systems in the inner ear and information from movement, touch and joint sensors throughout the body.

For instance, when someone turns their head, their eyes, neck muscle sensors and two inner ears all give matching information to the brain. If something causes a mismatch in the information, it affects the sense of orientation and causes feelings of dizziness, vertigo or loss of balance. These outgoing and incoming messages are coordinated in the cerebellum. If MS causes damage to the nerves in this part of the brain, balance can be affected.

More information from the MS Trust
Dizziness and vertigo - A to Z of MS
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