Balance Problems are either related to problems originating in the ear or in the brain. ...

Balance Problems are either related to problems originating in the ear or in the brain.

Causes of dizziness related to the ear are often characterized by vertigo (spinning) and nausea. Nystagmus (flickering of the eye, related to the VOR -- vestibulo-occular reflex) is often seen in patients with an acute peripheral cause of dizziness.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Labyrinthitis - An inner ear infection or inflammation causing both dizziness (vertigo) and hearing loss; Vestibular neuronitis, Cochlear neuronitis
Trauma
Ménière's disease Related to the Brain

Brain related causes are less commonly associated with isolated vertigo and nystagmus but can still produce signs and symptoms which mimic peripheral causes. Disequilibrium is often a prominent feature.

Degenerative: Age related decline in balance function
Infectious: Meningitis, encephalitis, epidural abscess, Syphilis
Circulatory: Cerebral or Cerebellar ischemia or hypoperfusion, Stroke, Wallenberg lateral medullary syndrome
Autoimmune: Cogan syndrome
Structural: Arnold-Chiari malformation, Hydrocephalus
Systemic: Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons
CNS or Posterior Neoplasms: Benign or Malignant