As people age, they often have problems with balance and think: “I never thought this would happen to me.” Balance problems can be a common problem of aging, as older people often have posture and strength problems. Over one-third of adults over 65 years old suffer  falls each year.

Falls are a leading cause of hip fractures and injury deaths. This is worrisome because a serious fall can rob you of your mobility, life’s pleasures and create problems for years. There are various reasons why people fall but if the cause can be identified, one can better manage balance problems and avoid falls. Listed below are a few of the neurological causes of balance problems.

•Vertigo causes a spinning sensation when you move your head, which could be the result of an infection, injury or aging.

•TIA (Transient Ischemic Attacks), commonly called mini-strokes, can cause knee buckling with loss of motor control.

•Strokes can cause falls and balance problems.

•Alzheimer’s Disease can result in frequent falls.

•Parkinsonism causes tremor, difficulty with balance and trouble walking: short shuffling steps, slow walking and a wide based gait.

•Seizures can also cause sudden drops.

•Multiple Sclerosis (MS) causes a loss of muscle control due to brain lesions and can lead to falls.

•Neuropathy is nerve damage that causes weakness or loss of feeling. Causes include diabetes and    smoking.

Staying healthy is the key to better balance. Stress, smoking, fatigue, and  alcohol  increase a person’s risk for falls. Exercise is beneficial for strength and balance. If you think your prescription medicines could be the cause of balance problems, talk with your doctor.

Simply being aware of your body and looking out for balance problems is the first step in fall protection. Fortunately, most falls are highly preventable. By addressing balance issues early on, patients are less likely to suffer from injury and more likely to stay active as they age. House and behavior modification also help, such as having rails to grip, removing throw rugs, using rubber mats, avoiding reaching above your head or climbing stairs. Some people find a cane, walker, wheelchair or scooter helpful to keep mobility. If at any time you find yourself experiencing trouble with balance, see a neurologist as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Barbara Cape O’Brien, M. D. - Barbara Cape O’Brien, M. D., has been a practicing neurologist since 1991 and has been with Memphis Neurology since 2006.  She graduated from the University of Tenn. Medical School with her neurology residency at the George Washington University Medical Center.  Dr. O’Brien is Board Certified in psychiatry and meurology and specializes in Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimers, Strokes and Epilepsy.  She sees patients at her Germantown office.