Balance Disorders

Falls related to dizzy disorders

Falling and losing your balance can be related to a vestibular (inner ear) disorder. The inner ear is a complex system that sends signals to the brain about the head and body, helping you maintain balance and spatial orientation.

What Causes Dizzy Disorders?

Dizziness can be a feeling of movement or spinning such as vertigo, lightheadedness, feeling of impending faint, or inability to maintain one's balance. Some also consider general weakness or visual problems as "dizziness".

Common causes of dizziness are ear disorders, diabetes, blood pressure problems, medications, visual abnormalities and other conditions that generally weaken the body. Less common, but still serious, are heart problems, stroke, toxic chemicals and brain tumors.

Although aging can also contribute to dizziness and balance problems are common among the elderly, dizziness should not be considered part of the "aging package.”

Many people find that their balance starts to falter as they grow older. Falls can be caused by:

• Bed rest or inactivity (loss of strength in your legs and feet)
• Dizziness or unsteadiness
• Poor vision and/or hearing
• Loss of confidence in your mobility
• Medication side effects
• Other medical conditions, like Parkinson's Disease or stroke
• Environmental conditions: cluttered living areas, poor lighting, area rugs, long cords, clothing and shoes that do not fit properly

The human balance system is responsible for balance and coordination. The eyes transmit electrical signals to the brain that indicate our orientation in relation to surrounding objects, while information from the skin, muscles and joints tells the brain when we are moving and our body’s position in space. The vestibular system, comprised of the utricle, saccule and semicircular canals, detect gravity, linear movement and rotational movement. Together, this system provides data that the brain uses to coordinate movement. When this sensory information is compromised, balance impairment may occur.

There are many conditions that may contribute to a balance disorder. The list of possible causes includes:

• Benign tumors
• Cardiovascular disease
• Dehydration
• Head trauma
• Hypertension
• Inner ear abnormalities
• Low blood pressure
• Neurological disorders
• Vascular disorders

What Are the Symptoms of Balance Disorders?

Symptoms of a balance disorder include:

• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Fatigue
• Fullness in the ear
• Hearing loss
• Lack of concentration
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Vertigo
• Vomiting

Many people lump balance and vertigo into the same category, but in reality, they refer to different sensations; balance is associated with a general feeling of unsteadiness or disequilibrium, while vertigo refers to a feeling that your surroundings are in motion and is often equated with a sensation that you or the room is spinning.

How serious are balance disorders? 

Accidental injury, in most cases resulting from a fall, ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in the elderly. Research estimates that 20 percent of individuals 65 years or older will suffer a fall - equating to nearly seven million falls annually. The greatest risk from a fall is suffering from fractures, most significantly hip fractures. Hip fractures pose many complications, including long-term disabilities and death.

Balance disorders are a common complaint among adults in Michigan and throughout the U.S. The majority do not signify a serious condition, but any balance disorder can lead to falls, a major cause of hospitalization, and even death, in the elderly. If you are experiencing balance problems, it is essential you be evaluated by a professional in order to rule out any serious underlying condition and prevent injury.

At some point in our lives, almost all of us have lost our balance or tripped and taken a fall. In most cases, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and move on. However, the risk of falling and seriously injuring yourself increases greatly as you get older. For elderly patients, falling down represents a serious health issue. Here are some facts:

• 20 percent of people over age 65 will suffer a serious fall next year. This amounts to seven million falls per year.
• Approximately 33 percent of these falls will occur at home.
• Approximately 10 percent of those who fall once will fall again. Half of these patients will die within the next year.
• Of those elderly who fall and fracture a hip, 20 percent will die within a year and another 20 percent will move from living independently to living in a nursing home.

We know you worry about potentially fatal falls as you grow older, which makes balance problems all the more troubling. With the right resources, however, you can prevent falls as you age and even improve your balance.

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Falls?

Even simple factors like cluttered spaces or poor lighting can increase the risk of falling, but you can reduce your risk with these steps:

• Be aware of your surroundings: Keep floors free from clutter and rugs, which can cause tripping. When possible, use railings or bars to support yourself on stairs and in the bathroom. Make sure your hallways are well lit so you can see what’s around you.
• Use helpful equipment: Properly-fitting shoes with grip soles can make it easier to walk. If you use a walker or a cane, make sure it’s at the correct height for you. Take care of all your senses by keeping glasses and hearing aids clean and using them often.
• Maintain your general health: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. When you’re lying down, try to get up slowly so your body can adjust. And make sure you’re aware of the side effects of your medications.