Keeping your balance: an interplay of several senses
Our sense of balance enables us to orient ourselves in the world and to perceive our position in space. It is a complex system that processes information from several senses.
The three most important senses for balance
- Vision: vision provides important information about the surroundings and the position of the body in space.
- Proprioception: proprioception is the perception of the position and movement of one’s own body. It is conveyed by receptors in the muscles, tendons and joints.
- Organ of balance: the organ of balance is located in the inner ear and measures the acceleration and rotation of the head.
The balance centre in the brainstem
- The information from the three senses is processed in the brainstem.
- From this, the balance centre in the brainstem calculates the current position of the body in space.
- It sends commands to the muscles and eyes in order to maintain balance.
Balance disorders
- Balance disorders can be caused by various factors, for example by conditions of the inner ear, the brain or the nerves.
- Ageing processes can also impair the sense of balance.
- Symptoms of balance disorders are dizziness, nausea and unsteadiness when walking.
Treatment of balance disorders
- The treatment of balance disorders depends on the cause.
- In some cases the cause can be treated with medication or surgery.
- For other causes, balance exercises help to improve the symptoms.
Conclusion
The sense of balance is a complex system that is essential for our orientation and movement in space. Balance disorders can have various causes and can severely impair quality of life.
For dizziness and balance disorders, our dizziness assessment in Leipzig can help.
Last reviewed: July 2026