Medical
conditions can rob you of your balance
Newswise — Balance tends to erode
with age, which can lead to falls. For older people, falls are the
leading cause of death from injury and a major cause of disability.
Even if a fall doesn’t cause severe damage, it increases the chances
of another fall. Yet falls aren’t an inevitable consequence of
growing older. It’s possible to regain equilibrium and compensate
for permanent balance deficits, reports the August issue of the
Harvard Health Letter.
Conflicting reports from our eyes,
ears, and central nervous system can affect our balance. But balance
can also suffer from such disorders as these:
• Neurological conditions.
Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and strokes are among those
that can affect balance.
• Diabetes. Nerve damage in the
feet makes it difficult to walk.
• Vertigo. This sensation of
dizziness may come from ear disorders or simply from the aging of
the inner ear’s balance system.
• Postural hypotension. A drop in
blood pressure when you sit up or stand up can cause lightheadedness
and even fainting.
• Foot problems. Corns, bunions,
and hammertoes are both a cause and a result of uneven balance.
• Eye diseases. Cataracts and
glaucoma are stealthy thieves of sight and balance. Balance nearly
always improves after successful cataract surgery.
• Medications. Sedatives, blood
pressure medicines, antidepressants, and antihistamines are among
those that may cause dizziness.
To retain or regain your balance,
the Harvard Health Letter suggests that you get active to maintain
the neural connections necessary for good balance, improve your
posture so you won’t be apt to fall, and maintain your strength for
a good foundation.