Some people tend to be a little more clumsy than others, but constantly bumping into things can be a sign of a serious illness. health problems.
Ninoska Alvarez says imbalances can lead to poor quality of life, loss of independence and even severe health complications for some people. physical therapist I am a balance specialist at Brooks Rehabilitation in Florida.
“As we age, the three sensory systems that affect balance – the visual system, the somatosensory system, and the vestibular system – decline, which can result in balance problems,” Alvarez told Fox News Digital. There is,” he said.
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“Any time one or more of these systems no longer functions as well as it once did, an imbalance can occur.”
For unexpected problems, Stroke is typically That’s the most common problem, Alvarez said.
According to physical therapists, three sensory systems influence our balance: the visual system, the somatosensory system, and the vestibular system. (St. Petersburg)
“Slowly progressive diseases that can cause problems include multiple sclerosis (although early symptoms may appear suddenly) and degenerative brain diseases (such as cerebellar degeneration). parkinson’s disease or Guillain-Barre syndrome,” she said.
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Not all cases of imbalance are associated with serious health problems.
Inner ear problems can cause sudden changes in a person’s stability, Alvarez noted.
“People who develop peripheral neuropathy (a problem that affects the ability of nerves, usually in the lower legs, to send and receive information) may also experience a gradual deterioration of balance,” she says.
Experts say warning signs of more serious problems include sudden and significant changes in stability, sudden changes in vision, an inability to speak, and the onset of symptoms that feel like the “worst headache ever.” . (St. Petersburg)
Alvarez also points out that changes after being immobilized or having reduced mobility for a period of time (commonly seen when someone is briefly hospitalized or suffers an injury that affects their ability to stand or walk for a period of time) It added that this could affect the balance.
4 warning signs you should know about
If you notice any of these red flags, we recommend that you contact your representative. medical professional For evaluation, Mr. Alvarez advised.
Sign #1: Reliance on external support
Moving around more than usual using handrails, furniture, people, or other items can be a sign that your child is having trouble maintaining their balance on their own, Alvarez said.
“Increased stumbling and stumbling can be a sign of imbalance.”
Sign #2: Feeling disoriented in the dark
“For example, if you have trouble navigating your environment in the dark, such as when going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, your body is trying to tell you that your balance system isn’t working properly. “Maybe,” the therapist pointed out. .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in all age groups. (St. Petersburg)
Sign #3: Feeling unsteady even when you close your eyes
If you feel unsteady when standing or completing tasks with your eyes closed, such as when washing your hair in the shower, your sense of balance may be too reliant on visual input and one or more of your balances may be affected. It may indicate that your sensory system is not working. Alvarez says it’s working properly.
Sign #4: Increased dizziness or stumbling.
“Dizziness or vertigo can be a symptom of underlying problems that affect balance, such as problems with the inner ear or vestibular system,” Alvarez told Fox News Digital.
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“Increased stumbling and stumbling can be a sign of imbalance due to muscle weakness. neurological problems or other factors that affect the balance,” she added.
This situation also increases the risk of falling.
According to physical therapists, compound exercises are one of the most effective ways to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. (St. Petersburg)
Other warning signs of more serious problems include sudden, significant changes in stability, sudden changes, etc. changes in visionDoctors said he lost the ability to speak, began having what felt like the “worst headache ever” and suddenly became debilitated.
For non-urgent symptoms, Alvarez recommends seeing a primary care physician, who will likely provide a referral to a neurologist. If you’re concerned about an emergency, he said to visit a hospital’s emergency department.
prevent balance problems
Mr. Alvarez shared the two most effective ways to prevent future balance problems.
multimodal exercise
“Exercise is great, but multimodal exercise training is even better,” Alvarez said.
“If you notice that you are losing your balance, seek help before you fall and injure yourself.”
“By engaging in a variety of physical activities and targeting aerobic fitness, flexibility, mobility, and strength, rather than just one exercise, form of exercise, to ensure that your body, balance, and sensory systems recover as you age. ”
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Fall prevention strategy
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in all age groups.
If you have problems with balance, your primary care doctor may refer you for a neurological exam. (St. Petersburg)
To prevent dangerous spills, Alvarez recommends protecting your home from falls by using night lights and removing environmental hazards such as rugs and electrical cords.
“Also, always keep an eye on your pet when moving around, as they can cause you to trip and fall,” she warned.
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“It’s important to understand that balance can always be improved,” Alvarez added.
“If you notice that you are losing your balance, seek help before you fall and injure yourself.”
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