TAKE BALANCE ISSUES SERIOUSLY
Balance issues can affect all of us and often occur without warning. Unexpected balance issues can be very disruptive, making it difficult for people to carry out everyday tasks such as walking, standing and climbing stairs.
Every year, millions of elderly Americans are faced with the risk of a most serious health hazard: falling. The CDC estimates that close to one-third of seniors suffer falls annually, resulting in 20%-30% sustaining moderate or severe injuries.
While falls may seem like a minor risk to take, older adults should be aware that they are the leading cause of injury death. Even if not fatal, fractures from falling can lead to serious consequences such as decreased activity and mobility, isolation from friends and family and loss of independence — all potentially resulting in depression.
In this blog post from Paramount Living Aids, Reading, we will discuss what causes balance issues, how to identify them, and some potential solutions if you are experiencing balance issues.
What causes balance issues?
Balance problems can be caused by a number of different factors. For example, inner ear problems such as vertigo or Meniere’s disease can disrupt the body’s sense of equilibrium.
Damage to the brain or nerves caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can also lead to balance issues. Other causes include: • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is a disorder of the inner ear that causes brief episodes of dizziness. It is caused by a change in head position and is usually
harmless, although the dizziness can be quite uncomfortable. Treatment usually involves a series of specific maneuvers, known as the Epley maneuver and Semont maneuver, which are designed to reposition the particles which have become displaced in the inner ear to their correct position.
• Méniére’s disease is a vestibular disorder that can cause its sufferers to experience attacks of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss and a fullness sensation in the ears. During an attack, it is common for sudden dizziness and disorientation to occur, making it difficult for the person to perform daily tasks. This can have significant impacts on quality of life for those affected by the condition. While there is no known cure for Méniére’s disease, a variety of treatment options are available that can reduce symptoms and help manage the
disease.
• Labyrinthitis is an inner ear disorder that causes chronic vertigo, hearing problems and other complications. It is caused when the labyrinth — the inner ear structure responsible for equilibrium and balance — is inflamed due to viral or bacterial infection, head trauma, or exposure to certain medications. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the labyrinthitis but commonly include dizziness, loss of balance, headache, nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis requires a physical examination and an audiological test to assess any hearing changes that have occurred. Treatment of labyrinthitis typically includes medications such as anti-vertigo medicals or antivirals.
It is important to note that physical activity levels can also influence one’s sense of balance; if you are not physically active on a regular basis your risk for developing balance issues increases significantly.
How can we identify balance issues?
If you think you may be experiencing balance issues there are several things you should look out for.
Common signs of balance problems include:
• Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up quickly from a seated position
• Difficulty maintaining your balance while walking
• Feeling off-balance when standing still
• Unsteadiness when turning around quickly
• Sudden shifts in body weight when attempting to maintain an upright position
• Difficulty going up or down stairs without support.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you it is important to speak with your doctor immediately so they can diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment options.
What are some solutions if you are experiencing balance issues?
If you have been diagnosed with a condition that has caused your balance problems, there are several ways in which you can improve your situation and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
One of the best ways is through physical therapy; regular exercise helps strengthen muscles responsible for maintaining posture and improving coordination which in turn improves overall stability.
Other helpful tips include: • Reducing stress levels as much as possible since tension can further impair one’s sense of equilibrium
• Eating a balanced diet which provides essential nutrients needed for good posture control
• Getting enough sleep each night so that your mind is well rested during the day and able to stay focused on activities requiring postural control such as walking
• Avoiding alcohol consumption since it impairs nerve pathways in the brain that help maintain good posture control
• Avoiding extreme temperatures whenever possible since sudden changes in temperature can exacerbate existing symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness.
Balance issues cause many people considerable distress on a daily basis, but there are steps we can take in order to minimize their impact on our lives.
Understanding what causes them, being able to recognize common signs and symptoms, seeking professional help from a doctor if necessary and following helpful tips such as those mentioned above will give us the best chance at managing our condition effectively so that we may return once again to living our fullest lives!
Paramount Living Aids can provide an effective and reliable solution for those suffering from balance issues, making it a safe option when climbing the stairs. Our stairlifts are designed to fit any home or staircase, built with custom options to create a tailormade product just for you.
We understand the importance of safety and offer free consultation services to help guide you in the right direction. Call us today at 484-509-5034 to discuss how we can help you regain your confidence in climbing the stairs.