Everyone experiences loss of balance at some point in their lives.
However, loss of balance that occurs frequently can be a sign of an underlying health condition.
It can also be a side effect of medication.
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This article discusses symptoms associated with loss of balance, as well as potential causes and their treatment.
Maintaining balance requires three body systems to work togethervision, proprioception, and the vestibular system.
The visual system allows you to see where you are, and the obstacles around you.
The proprioception system provides information about the position of your body through receptors in the joints of the body.
Loss of balance can occur from conditions that affect any of these body systems.
It can also be due to muscle or nerve damage in the legs.
Balance issues can also be a side effect of certain medications.
Balance Disorders
There are many different balance disorders that cause ongoing loss of balance.
Symptoms come on suddenly with certain head movements.
A hearing test might also be performed.
Ear Inflammation or Infections
Inflammation or infections in the ear can lead to loss of balance.
These conditions are diagnosed with a physical exam of the inner ear using a rig called an otoscope.
These can include:
Physical therapyis commonly used to treat balance issues due to neurological conditions.
In some cases, neurological conditions are also treated with radiation or surgery.
Falls can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones or head injuries.
What Medications Can Cause Loss of Balance?
Loss of balance is a potential side effect of many medications.
This symptom can make it unsafe for you to perform basic daily activities.
It can also be a side effect of certain drugs.
Conditions that cause loss of balance are often treated with medications and physical therapy.
Some might also require radiation or surgery.
Early diagnosis of conditions that can cause this symptom typically leads to better outcomes.
Addressing loss of balance proactively can also help prevent falls that can lead to serious injuries.
This symptom can also be a side effect of medications.
Balance issues sometimes resolve with treatment of the underlying cause.
However, some conditions that cause loss of balance are not curable.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Balance disorders.
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy.Maintaining balance.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Meniere’s disease.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures.
Harvard Health Publishing.How medications can affect your balance.
