Disequilibrium

Introduction: Why Disequilibrium Needs a Holistic Approach

Disequilibrium—chronic imbalance or unsteadiness—affects millions, often dismissed as “just dizziness.” At Patients Medical in New York City, we go deeper. Our integrative approach combines neurological, vestibular, and metabolic testing to uncover the root causes of your imbalance—whether it’s inner ear dysfunction, nerve damage, or systemic inflammation.

We don’t just mask symptoms; we restore true balance through personalized care.

What Is Disequilibrium?

Disequilibrium is a sensation of unsteadiness or spatial disorientation, distinct from vertigo (spinning). It can stem from:

  • Vestibular disorders (inner ear dysfunction)
  • Neurological conditions (neuropathy, Parkinson’s, MS)
  • Metabolic imbalances (low blood sugar, dehydration)
  • Medication side effects
  • Chronic inflammation or autoimmune disease

Without treatment, it can lead to falls, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Disequilibrium

  • Feeling “off-balance” or like you’re on a boat
  • Difficulty walking straight or frequent stumbling
  • Lightheadedness without spinning
  • Motion sensitivity (e.g., worsening in crowded spaces)
  • Brain fog or difficulty focusing
  • Fatigue from compensatory effort

If you experience these symptoms, seek evaluation—early intervention prevents worsening.

Root Causes: Why Are You Off-Balance?

Functional medicine digs deeper than “inner ear problems.” Potential triggers include:

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

We use cutting-edge labs to pinpoint your imbalance source:

✅ Videonystagmography (VNG) – Evaluates inner ear function

✅ Posturography – Assesses balance under different conditions

✅ MRI/CT scans (if neurological causes are suspected)

✅ Inflammatory markers (CRP, homocysteine)

✅ Heavy metal testing

✅ Micronutrient panels (B12, folate, vitamin D)

✅ Gut health analysis (stool microbiome, zonulin for leaky gut)

Integrative Treatment Protocols

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Customized exercises to retrain your brain and inner ear for better balance.

Nutritional Therapy

  • Anti-inflammatory diets (Mediterranean, low-histamine)
  • Hydration & electrolyte balance protocols
  • Targeted supplements (ginger, ginkgo biloba, CoQ10)

IV Nutrient Therapy

High-dose magnesium, glutathione, and B vitamins to calm nerve inflammation and support recovery.

Neurological Support

  • Acupuncture to improve nerve signaling
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for nerve repair
  • Peptide therapy for cellular regeneration

Stress & Hormone Balancing

  • Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
  • Bioidentical hormone correction (if imbalances exist)

Case Study: John’s Recovery from Chronic Disequilibrium

John, 58, struggled with 3 years of unexplained imbalance. Standard ENT tests were “normal.” Our testing revealed:

  • Severe B12 deficiency
  • Leaky gut-driven inflammation
  • Vestibular nerve irritation

After 4 months of treatment (gut healing, IV nutrients, vestibular rehab), his balance improved by 80%, and he returned to hiking.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Dizziness is a broad term for lightheadedness or spinning (vertigo). Disequilibrium specifically refers to chronic imbalance or unsteadiness—like feeling unstable while walking, even without spinning.

It can be. While often linked to inner ear disorders or neuropathy, persistent disequilibrium may signal neurological issues (e.g., Parkinson’s, MS) or metabolic imbalances. Testing is crucial to rule out serious causes.

Yes. Chronic stress disrupts vestibular function and heightens sensory sensitivity, making you feel “off-balance.” Anxiety can also worsen symptoms through hyperventilation and muscle tension.

We use:

  • Videonystagmography (VNG) for inner ear function
  • Posturography to assess balance systems
  • Blood tests (B12, inflammation markers, heavy metals)
  • MRI/CT if neurological causes are suspected

 Absolutely. Our clinic combines:

  • Vestibular rehab exercises
  • Anti-inflammatory diets (low-histamine, gluten-free)
  • IV nutrient therapy (magnesium, glutathione)
  • Acupuncture and stress reduction

Yes. Common culprits include:

  • Blood pressure drugs (beta-blockers)
  • Antidepressants/anti-anxiety meds
  • Antibiotics (gentamicin)
  • Sedatives

Always review side effects with your doctor.

 It depends on the cause. With targeted treatment (e.g., B12 deficiency correction or vestibular rehab), many patients see improvement in 3–6 months. Chronic cases may require longer care.

Yes. Post-viral inflammation can damage vestibular nerves or trigger autoimmune reactions. We treat this with antiviral support, gut healing, and neuroprotective therapies.

100%. Leaky gut releases inflammatory cytokines that disrupt the gut-brain-vestibular axis. We test for microbiome imbalances and food sensitivities contributing to symptoms.

Seek help if you experience:

  • Frequent falls or near-falls
  • Symptoms lasting >1 month
  • Worsening unsteadiness
  • Associated neurological symptoms (numbness, vision changes)

Early intervention prevents complications like falls or anxiety-driven avoidance.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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