Newsletter Understanding Balance Disorders What are balance problems?
Other reasons for balance issues include:
Having good balance means being able to control and maintain your body’s position, whether you are moving or remaining still. Good balance helps you walk without staggering, get up from a chair without falling, climb stairs without tripping, and bend over without falling. Good balance is important to help you get around, stay independent, and carry out daily activities.
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People are more likely to have problems with balance as they age, but that isn’t the only reason these problems occur. According to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, individuals with untreated mild hearing loss were nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling.
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What are the symptoms of a balance disorder? If you have a balance disorder, your symptoms might include: • • • • • •
Dizziness or vertigo (a spinning sensation) Falling or feeling as if you are going to fall Staggering when you try to walk Lightheadedness, faintness, or a floating sensation Blurred vision Confusion or disorientation
What causes balance problems? Balance problems are more common as people get older because they have more health problems in general and our balance system changes as we age. There are a variety of causes for vertigo. Two of the most common causes are inner ear infections called “Vestibular Neuritis,” and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.
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Circulation problems such as high or low blood pressure Head or neck injuries Infections Low blood sugar or dehydration Medicines Nervous system diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease Stroke
Those with symptoms impacting their balance should see an audiologist who specializes in vestibular diagnostics. Audiologists at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) are experts in diagnosing and treating balance and vestibular disorders. Using some of the latest, technical equipment available, audiologists will perform various tests to properly identify balance disorders.Treatment options are available and vary depending on what causes the vertigo.
If you or a loved one is experiencing vertigo, contact PEI for a balance evaluation. Call 215.780.3180 or visit SalusUhealth.com/PEI