Causes of balance problems in elderly

• 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.

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 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 causes balance problems when walking?

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 neurological conditions 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 deficiency causes balance problems?

Low Vitamin B12 Levels Can Cause Dizziness Deficiencies in this essential vitamin may lead to a number of neurological problems , including feeling off- balance , and having low blood pressure and decreased blood flow to your brain, says Whitman.

How do you treat balance problems?

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 vitamin helps with balance problems?

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

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.

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 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 I get my balance back?

These exercises can help you or a loved one to regain and maintain their balance : Standing on One Leg. Stand and raise one leg with your knee bent at a 45-degree angle. Walking Heel-to-Toe. Side Stepping. Unassisted Standing. Tai Chi. Pump Your Ankles When You Get Out of Bed.

What vitamin deficiency can cause dizziness?

Summary: Anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency can cause some people to feel breathless and dizzy. This occurs when the body is unable to transport enough oxygen to all its cells.

What part of the body controls balance?

cerebellum

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 happens when your vitamin b12 is low?

Not having enough B12 can lead to anemia, which means your body does not have enough red blood cells to do the job. This can make you feel weak and tired. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause damage to your nerves and can affect memory and thinking.

How can I raise my b12 levels fast?

To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as: Beef, liver, and chicken. Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams. Fortified breakfast cereal. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Eggs.