^{Why Does Loss of Balance Affect Older Adults?}

• Lack of circulation. When your body isn’t as efficient at pumping blood as it used to be, it slows your overall circulation.
• Neurological conditions. If you have a health condition like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, you have a greater risk of losing your balance.
• Medications. Read the side effects or talk to your doctor about risks before starting a new medication. Dizziness is a side effect of some medications and can worsen your condition.
• Low iron levels. Iron aids in the creation of red blood cells that carry oxygen through your body. If you regularly have low iron levels, you may be anemic.

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 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.

How do you cure loss of balance?

Your treatment may include: Balance retraining exercises (vestibular rehabilitation). Therapists trained in balance problems design a customized program of balance retraining and exercises. Positioning procedures. Diet and lifestyle changes. Medications. Surgery.

What is losing balance a symptom of?

Upper respiratory infections , other viral infections , and, less commonly, bacterial infections can also lead to labyrinthitis. Some diseases of the circulatory system, such as stroke, can cause dizziness and other balance problems. Low blood pressure can also cause dizziness .

Is there a medication for balance?

Your healthcare professional may prescribe motion-sickness medications such as meclizine (Antivert) to relieve the acute feelings of vertigo and dizziness, and possibly methylprednisolone to reduce inner ear inflammation. An antibiotic is sometimes prescribed.

What vitamin is good for balance?

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

What part of the body controls balance?

cerebellum

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.

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.

At what age does balance decline?

Most adults don’t think about their balance until they fall. The fact is, balance declines begin somewhere between 40 to 50 years of age . The National Institute of Health reports that one in three people over 65 will experience a fall each year.

What causes you to be unsteady on your feet?

Loss of balance or unsteadiness Losing your balance while walking, or feeling imbalanced, can result from: Vestibular problems. Abnormalities in your inner ear can cause a sensation of a floating or heavy head and unsteadiness in the dark. Nerve damage to your legs (peripheral neuropathy).

What causes sudden balance problems?

Causes of balance problems include medications, ear infection, a head injury, or anything else that affects the inner ear or brain. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness when you stand up too quickly.

How do you improve your balance as you age?

How to Maintain and Improve Your Balance as You Age One-foot balance . When was the last time you stood on one foot for more than two seconds? Sit and stand. Besides helping with balance , this acts as a leg strengthener as well. Walk the balance beam. Walk heel to toe across the floor like you are walking along a balance beam. Lunges. Learn Tai Chi. Yoga. Mini trampoline.