Loss of Balance Treatment

Bullet Point Summary - 

• Loss of balance can lead to falls and decreased quality of life.
• Causes include inner ear disorders, neurological conditions, and medication side effects.
• Treatment options include non-invasive options like vestibular rehabilitation therapy and medications.
• Surgical interventions may be necessary for severe cases.

Loss of balance is a common condition that can affect individuals of any age and can lead to falls, injuries, and decreased quality of life. Balance is a critical aspect of human movement and plays a vital role in activities of daily living.

Loss of balance can be caused by various factors, including aging, medical conditions, and medication side effects. 

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of treatment options for loss of balance. It is essential to seek treatment for loss of balance to prevent falls, promote independence, and improve the overall quality of life.

The treatment options can range from non-invasive options like Balance Therapy Berkeley Heights to surgical options, depending on the specific condition.

Causes of Loss of Balance

Loss of balance is a condition that can affect people of all ages and can be caused by a variety of factors. 

Some common causes of loss of balance include inner ear disorders, neurological conditions, and medications and their side effects. In this section, we will discuss the treatment for loss of balance in elderly available for these different types of loss of balance.

Inner Ear Disorders

Inner ear disorders are a common cause of loss of balance. Some of the most common inner ear disorders that can cause loss of balance include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, and vestibular neuritis.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is a condition where tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into one of the ear's semicircular canals. This can cause feelings of dizziness and loss of balance, especially when moving the head.

Treatment options for BPPV include a procedure called the Epley maneuver, which involves positioning the head in specific ways to move the crystals out of the affected canal.

Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease is a chronic condition that affects the inner ear. Symptoms include vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, which can all contribute to loss of balance.

Treatment for Meniere's disease may include medications to help alleviate symptoms, as well as lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for sending signals from the inner ear to the brain about balance and spatial orientation. 

This inflammation can cause dizziness and loss of balance. Treatment for vestibular neuritis may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Neurological Conditions

Loss of balance can also be caused by neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, which can cause a range of symptoms, including loss of balance. Treatment for a stroke may include medications to dissolve blood clots, as well as physical therapy and rehabilitation to help regain lost skills and abilities.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that can cause a range of symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, and loss of balance. Treatment for Parkinson's disease may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the central nervous system and can cause a range of symptoms, including loss of balance. Treatment for multiple sclerosis may include medications to manage symptoms, as well as physical therapy and lifestyle changes.

Medications and Side Effects

Certain medications can also cause loss of balance as a side effect. Some common medications that can cause loss of balance include ototoxic drugs, sedatives and tranquilizers, and anticonvulsants.

Ototoxic Drugs

Ototoxic drugs are medications that can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, which can cause a range of symptoms, including loss of balance. Treatment for ototoxic drug-induced loss of balance may include switching to a different medication or reducing the dosage of the current medication.

Sedatives and Tranquilizers

Sedatives and tranquilizers can cause drowsiness and impaired coordination, which can contribute to loss of balance. Treatment for medication-induced loss of balance may include reducing the dosage of the current medication or switching to a different medication.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsant medications can cause dizziness and loss of balance as a side effect. Treatment of balance problems may include reducing the dosage of the current medication or switching to a different medication.

Diagnostic Process

Loss of balance can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. The diagnostic process for the loss of balance involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, balance tests, and assessments, as well as imaging and laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

Medical History and Physical Examination

A medical history and physical examination are the first steps in diagnosing loss of balance. The physician will ask questions about the symptoms and any other medical conditions that may be contributing to the problem. They will also conduct a physical exam to assess muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes.

Balance Tests and Assessments

Balance tests and assessments help determine what is causing the loss of balance. Some common balance tests include the Romberg test, the Fukuda-Unterberger test, and video nystagmography.

Romberg Test

The Romberg test involves standing with feet together, and eyes closed. The physician will look for any swaying or unsteadiness when the eyes are closed.

Fukuda-Unterberger Test

The Fukuda-Unterberger test involves marching in place for 50 steps with eyes closed. The physician will look for any deviation from the starting point.

Video Nystagmography

Video nystagmography is a test that measures eye movements to assess the function of the vestibular system. This test can help identify inner ear disorders that may be contributing to the loss of balance.

Imaging and Laboratory Tests

Imaging and laboratory tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of loss of balance. Some common tests include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and inner ear. MRI can help identify structural abnormalities that may be contributing to the loss of balance.

Electronystagmography (ENG)

ENG is a test that measures eye movements to assess the function of the vestibular system. ENG can help identify inner ear disorders that may be contributing to the loss of balance.

Blood Tests

Blood tests may be necessary to rule out underlying medical conditions that may be causing the loss of balance. Blood tests can also help identify any vitamin deficiencies or other metabolic abnormalities that may be contributing to the condition.

Non-Invasive Treatment Options

Noninvasive treatment options for loss of balance include vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), Physical Therapy Berkeley Heights, Canalith repositioning procedures, and medications.

VRT involves a series of exercises designed to improve balance, coordination, and spatial orientation. These exercises may include balance exercises, gaze stabilization exercises, and habituation exercises. You can contact FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Berkeley Heights for more information.

Canalith repositioning procedures, such as the Epley maneuver and Semont maneuver, involve positioning the head in specific ways to move calcium crystals out of the inner ear and relieve feelings of dizziness and vertigo.

Medications can also be effective in treating loss of balance. Antihistamines can help relieve symptoms of vertigo and dizziness, while benzodiazepines can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Antiemetics can help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with loss of balance.

Surgical Treatment Options

While most cases of loss of balance can be treated with medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, some cases may require surgical intervention. Depending on the underlying cause of the condition, there are several surgical treatment options available for loss of balance.

Cochlear Implantation

Cochlear implantation is a surgical procedure that involves implanting an electronic device in the inner ear. This device can help restore hearing in individuals with severe hearing loss and can also improve balance and spatial orientation.

Vestibular Nerve Section

The vestibular nerve section is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the vestibular nerve, which sends signals from the inner ear to the brain about balance and spatial orientation. This procedure can be effective in treating vertigo and dizziness caused by inner ear disorders, but it can also cause permanent hearing loss.

Labyrinthectomy

Labyrinthectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the labyrinth, which is the part of the inner ear responsible for balance and spatial orientation. This procedure is typically reserved for individuals with severe vertigo and dizziness that cannot be effectively treated with medication or other therapies. Labyrinthectomy can cause permanent hearing loss.

Endolymphatic Sac Surgery

Endolymphatic sac surgery is a surgical procedure that involves removing a small portion of the endolymphatic sac, which is a structure in the inner ear that regulates fluid balance. This procedure can be effective in treating Meniere's disease, which is a chronic condition that can cause vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.

Conclusion

Balance is an important aspect of daily life and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Loss of balance can be caused by a variety of factors, including inner ear disorders, neurological conditions, and medication side effects.

Treatment options for loss of balance include non-invasive options such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy, Canalith repositioning procedures, and medications, as well as surgical interventions for severe cases.

It is important for individuals experiencing loss of balance to seek professional medical help to determine the underlying cause of the condition and explore appropriate treatment options. 

With the right treatment plan, it is possible to manage symptoms and improve balance, coordination, and spatial orientation, allowing individuals to continue to lead active and fulfilling lives. We recommend you reach out to FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Berkeley Heights for more details.