Gait and balance disorders are common in older adults and are a major cause of falls in this population. They are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as reduced level of function. Common causes include arthritis and orthostatic hypotension; however, most gait and balance disorders involve multiple contributing factors.Author:
Brooke SalzmanCited by:
Publish Year:
2010

What causes balance problems in the elderly?

If the feeling happens often, it could be a sign of a balance problem . Balance problems are among the most common reasons that older adults seek help from a doctor. They are often caused by disturbances of the inner ear. Vertigo, the feeling that you or the things around you are spinning, is a common symptom .

What neurological disorders cause balance problems?

Causes of Balance Disorders decreased blood flow to the brain due to stroke or a chronic condition such as aging. traumatic brain injury. multiple sclerosis. hydrocephalus. seizures. Parkinson’s disease. cerebellar diseases . acoustic neuromas and other brain tumors.

What are some common symptoms of balance disorders?

Signs and symptoms of balance problems include: Sense of motion or spinning ( vertigo ) Feeling of faintness or lightheadedness ( presyncope ) Loss of balance or unsteadiness. Falling or feeling like you might fall. Feeling a floating sensation or dizziness. Vision changes, such as blurriness. Confusion .

What is the treatment for balance disorders?

Your treatment may include: Balance retraining exercises (vestibular rehabilitation). Therapists trained in balance problems design a customized program of balance retraining and exercises . Therapy can help you compensate for imbalance, adapt to less balance and maintain physical activity.

How can elderly improve their balance?

14 Exercises for Seniors to Improve Strength and Balance Exercise 1: Single Limb Stance. It’s best to start off with a simple balance exercise for seniors . Exercise 2: Walking Heel to Toe. Exercise 3: Rock the Boat. Exercise 4: Clock Reach. Exercise 5: Back Leg Raises. Exercise 6: Single Limb Stance with Arm. Exercise 7: Side Leg Raise. Exercise 8: Balancing Wand.

What vitamin is good for balance?

Vitamin D may improve muscle strength and function, as well as balance due to the improved strength.

Do balance disorders go away?

Most balance disorders last for a few days to a few months. Generally, balance disorders last for a couple of days and the patient recovers slowly over 1 to 3 weeks. However, some patients may experience symptoms that can last for several months.

What type of doctor treats balance disorders?

To find out if you have a balance problem, your primary doctor may suggest that you see an otolaryngologist and an audiologist. An otolaryngologist is a physician and surgeon who specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear , nose, neck, and throat.

What part of the body controls balance?

cerebellum

What are some balance disorders?

What are some types of balance disorders ? Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis. Vestibular migraine. Ménière’s disease. Cerebellar ataxia. Sensory ataxia.

What medications can cause loss of balance?

Medications Can Cause Balance Problems Antidepressants . Anti-seizure drugs (anticonvulsants) Hypertensive (high blood pressure) drugs. Sedatives. Tranquilizers. Anxiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs) Antihistamines prescribed to relieve allergy symptoms. Aminoglycosides (a type of antibiotic)

What is a serious balance disorder?

A balance disorder is a condition that makes you feel unsteady or dizzy, as if you are moving, spinning, or floating, even though you are standing still or lying down. Balance disorders can be caused by certain health conditions, medications, or a problem in the inner ear or the brain.

Does walking improve balance?

Walking helps build lower-body strength, an important element of good balance . Walking is safe exercise for most people and, in addition to improving balance , counts toward your aerobic activity goals.

What is the best exercise for balance?

Or, stand up from a seated position without using your hands. Or try walking in a line, heel to toe, for a short distance. You can also try tai chi — a form of movement training that may improve balance and stability and reduce the incidence of falls.

How do you treat balance disorder naturally?

10 Home Remedies for Vertigo Epley maneuver. Semont-Toupet maneuver. Brandt-Daroff exercise. Gingko biloba. Stress management. Yoga and tai chi . Adequate amount of sleep. Hydration.