What Can Cause Balance Problems?
Balance is one of the many complex actions that people perform every day. Being able to balance enables people to walk, eat, cook, and many other activities that people may take for granted. The ability of an individual to balance in their daily lives is essential for almost all activities. Being so dependent on the ability to balance, normal activities that once came as second nature can become difficult, even with minor losses in balance.
How does balance affect you?
Balance is the ability to distribute your weight. It is important to have good balance because it allows you to be able to stand or move without falling, or help you recover if you trip. Having good balance requires the coordination of several muscles and various parts of the body. These include the central nervous system, inner ears, eyes, bones, and joints. Problems with any one of these can cause a negative impact and affect your balance. Having a problem balancing can make simple tasks such as walking down a flight of stairs or cooking your favorite meal extremely difficult.
How do you know if you have balance problems?
Problems with your balance can be caused by a variety of different factors and conditions. The cause for balance problems is usually related to a specific sign or symptom. Each individual is different, so some patients may experience one or multiple symptoms that can be traced to their loss of balance. Some symptoms may include but are not limited to the following:
- Sense of motion or spinning
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Loss of balance and unsteadiness
- Falling or feeling like you might fall
- Felling a floating sensation or dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. To determine the exact cause of your symptoms, a neurological exam would need to be conducted. This can be done with a balance test by Nassau Suffolk Neurology.
Long term effects of balance problems:
Balance problems can be associated with various conditions, which can lead to other problems. Some examples of these include the following:
- Vertigo
- Migraines
- Motion sickness
- Meniere’s disease
- Head injuries
- Cardiovascular disease
- Vestibular problems
- Nerve damage
- Joint/muscle problems
- Vision problems
- Neurological conditions
It is important to seek medical attention when you begin to experience any symptoms that can be caused by balance problems. If treated properly, many of the long term effects and tertiary conditions can be mitigated or avoided altogether.
How to prevent balance problems:
To help prevent any of the previously stated potential problems and conditions, you should do whatever you can to help prevent balance issues. Suffolk neurology recommends practicing the following exercises and lifestyle choices:
- One leg stands
- Heel to toe walking
- Sidestepping
- Cross stepping
- Healthy diet
- Staying hydrated
How to treat balance problems:
Though the previously mentioned exercises are to prevent balance issues, it is important to continue practicing them to help fix balance as well. Nassau Suffolk Neurology provides balance testing which tests the inner ear and brain that control balance and eye movements. Receiving a balance test will help decide what treatment option is best for you. Some of these options include but are not limited to the following:
- Various kinds of medicine
- Physical therapy
- Positioning procedures
- Surgery
Nassau Suffolk Neurology:
Here at Nassau Suffolk Neurology, we are determined to make our patients comfortable in our office by creating a trustworthy, one on one relationship with each of our patients. Our experienced, well trained staff strives to provide the best possible care. To book an appointment, please contact us today. We look forward to meeting you soon.