We don’t notice how important balance is in our daily lives until we have a problem with it. Steady movement while walking and standing still relies on our brain, inner ear, eyes and muscles working together. Disruption to any part of this system can cause a balance disorder.

Feeling a little dizzy from time to time is not a balance disorder, but the impact of a balance disorder on daily life is serious. It can lead to a higher chance of falling and can reduce a person’s confidence and independence. Identifying the cause of many balance disorders makes them treatable. To get the right help at the right time, understanding symptoms and available treatment makes the difference.

What Is a Balance Disorder?

A balance disorder causes a person to struggle to stay stable. A person can feel like the room is spinning. Instead, some people feel light-headed or like they may fall.

Though everyone can develop a balance disorder, they are commonly found in older adults.

Common Causes of Balance Disorders

Balance relies on a collaboration between many systems. Disruption to any system can affect balance.

Inner Ear Problems

Conditions that affect the inner ear can cause balance disorders. These can include Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Ménière’s disease and inner ear infections.

Balance Disorders

Many neurological disorders can impact balance, such as the following:

• Parkinson’s Disease
• Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Cerebellar Disorders

These all impact the brain’s ability to manage and control movement and posture.

Low Blood Pressure

A drop in blood pressure (most commonly when standing from a seated or bent position) can cause a temporary loss of balance and/or fainting.

Medication Side Effects

Certain medicines can also impact balance. Some of the most common medications that may impact balance are High Blood Pressure medications and medications taken for anxiety and/or depression.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Lack of Vitamin B12 can also impact nerve function, balance, and coordination.

Age-Related Changes

As an individual matures, the changes in vision and muscle strength may begin to impact balance and increase the risk of falls.

Symptoms of Balance Disorders

The symptoms of balance disorders can all be different depending on the underlying cause, but most commonly, they are as follows:

• unsteadiness
• dizziness
• vertigo or the sensation of spinning
• the inability to walk in a straight line
• the not infrequent occurrence of falling
• blurred vision
• motion-induced nausea or vomiting
• concentration issues during a dizzy spell
• light-headedness
• loss of confidence while walking

These symptoms should be referred to a neurologist.

Diagnosis of Balance Disorders

A balance disorder requires an in-depth medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause.

Your neurologist may do the following:

• Get detailed medical history
• Do a physical and neurological examination
• Do tests on balance and coordination
• Assess your eye movements
• Do hearing tests if he/she thinks you have an inner ear problem
• Do blood tests to look for vitamin deficiency and other medical problems
• Do an MRI or CT scan of the brain as they see fit
• Refer you to have vestibular function tests

Diagnosis of Balance Disorders

The cause of your balance disorder will determine the treatment.

If you have an inner ear disorder, treatment may include medication, vestibular rehabilitation or the use of repositioning manoeuvres.

If the cause is neurological, such as the case of Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, the treatment will focus on the cause of the disorder, while balance is improved by the use of medication, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

If you have low blood pressure, balance may improve with treatment of this. Balance may be improved by correcting vitamin deficiency and the treatment of other medical disorders.

Physiotherapy is an integral part of the treatment of balance disorders. Balance training and rehabilitation of gait will improve coordination, decrease the risk of falling, and improve confidence for participation in daily life.

How to Improve Balance

To improve your balance and to reduce the risk of falling, there are a few simple things that you can do in your everyday life.

• Exercise to improve balance
• Use stable, supportive, non-slip shoes
• Remove loose rugs and declutter your home
• Use handrails on stairs
• Stand up slowly
• Keep a balanced diet and stay hydrated.

You should book regular eye and ear check-ups.

These habits will make it easier to walk around throughout the day.

When Should You See a Neurologist?

You should see a doctor when you have consistent balance issues. This should happen even if you do not fall. This should happen even if balance issues do not interfere with your everyday activities. You should seek medical help right away when balance problems do the following:

• Weakness
• Numbness
• Trouble speaking
• Bad headaches
• Changes in vision

These problems may indicate a stroke or a serious neurological problem.

Finding balance problems early is the most important factor, as many balance issues can be treated if found early.

Conclusion

Balance problems may interfere with your ability to get around and enjoy everyday activities. While these problems are often associated with age, balance problems can also come from ear issues, neurological problems, medication side effects, and vitamin deficiencies. The right treatment will be determined by finding the problem.

Royal Care Neurosciences offers a complete assessment and treatment for balance problems. Our team of neurologists uses the latest diagnostic technologies to help improve your balance and confidence. We aim to reduce your risk of falls.

FAQs

1. What is the most common cause of balance disorders?

Balance disorders can come from ear and brain problems, low blood pressure, medication side effects and vitamin deficiencies. A complete medical history is the best way to determine the cause of balance issues.

2. Can balance disorders go away with treatment?

Many balance disorders can be treated or controlled. Whether or not they are treated successfully depends on the cause of the disorder, early detection, and the general health of the patient.

3. When is it necessary to see a neurologist for balance issues?

You should see a neurologist if you experience frequent dizziness. Also, you should see a neurologist if you have symptoms that cause you to fall repeatedly or that make you unable to walk. In addition, you should seek a neurologist if your balance issues are severe enough to interfere with your everyday activities. You should also see a neurologist if you have any other neurologic issues that are associated with balance issues.