When The World Spins - Living With Balance Disorders
How to improve your quality of life if you suffer from balance disorders
My mother had Ménière’s disease. I always knew when she was about to have an episode. Her skin would get very pale, and her hands would reach out to anything that might provide stability.
She’d have to find a place to sit or lie down quickly while also being close to the bathroom or a bucket because, inevitably, the spinning sensation would cause her to vomit.
Do you have a balance disorder? Let me know in the comments
I have Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is a common inner ear condition that causes brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo. Thankfully, I’m not affected as much as I used to be. When I was younger (in my early 20s), I’d have episodes that lasted weeks.
When it happens, any shift in head movement makes me feel as if my body is going to tumble in that direction. I feel dizzy on the inside rather than on the outside if that makes sense.
In other words, the world isn’t spinning in front of my eyes; it’s spinning behind my eyes.
It’s a benign condition that occurs when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals.
The result is a disruption of balance. And it’s highly uncomfortable!
Balance disorders are common in older adults, but knowing the causes can help you seek the right treatment and prevention.
Inner Ear Problems (Vestibular System)
Conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, and Ménière’s disease affect inner ear function, leading to dizziness and instability.
Neurological Conditions
Diseases such as Parkinson’s, stroke, or multiple sclerosis can impact the brain’s coordination abilities, causing imbalance and unsteady gait.
Musculoskeletal Weakness
Loss of muscle strength or joint flexibility with age affects posture and balance, raising fall risk.
Medication Side Effects
Some medications, including sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs, and blood pressure medicines, can cause dizziness or affect coordination.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are experiencing intolerable side effects from your medications. There may be alternative prescriptions that are better suited for you.
Call 9-1-1 if you experience signs of anaphylaxis such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe hives or rash, a rapid drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
Age-Related Sensory Changes
Declining vision, hearing, and sensory perception interfere with balance. Even small changes in eyesight or depth perception can increase fall risk.
Warning - Don’t Try Balance Exercises If You’re Experiencing Dizziness
Consult a healthcare provider before attempting balance exercises.
Balance exercises (READ: How Balance Exercises Can Improve Quality of Life in Seniors) are designed to improve functional strength and stability. They’re not designed to be a treatment option for balance disorders.
Disclaimer
See a doctor before if you have undiagnosed dizzy spells, light-headedness, unexplained falls, sudden changes in vision, severe headaches, or any new symptoms affecting your balance or coordination.
Understanding the cause is the first step toward safer movement and fall prevention.
How to Improve Your Quality of Life
The suggestions below are general ideas on how you might improve your quality of life when living with a balance disorder. However, they’re not meant to replace any current treatment you’re on.
Perform Safe Balance Exercises (If Approved by Your Doctor)
Practicing simple exercises like standing on one foot while holding a stable surface or heel-to-toe walking can improve your balance and confidence over time. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new exercises.
Make Your Home Fall-Proof
Remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs and clutter, install grab bars in bathrooms, and ensure your home is well lit to prevent falls and injuries.
Hydrate and Eat Regular Meals
Drinking enough water and eating consistent meals help maintain blood pressure and blood sugar levels, reducing dizziness episodes.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine – Dizziness and Balance Disorders
Rise Slowly from Bed or Chairs
Take your time to sit up and pause before standing to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure that can cause dizziness or fainting.
Source: Cleveland Clinic – Orthostatic Hypotension
Use Adaptive Devices If Needed
Using canes, walkers, or handrails can provide additional stability and confidence when moving around if you often feel unsteady.
Practice Gaze Stabilization Exercises (For Vestibular Issues)
Exercises like the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) exercise, where you keep your eyes focused on your thumb while moving your head side to side, can help retrain your balance system.
Source: Vestibular Disorders Association – Gaze Stabilization
Review Medications with Your Pharmacist or Doctor
Discuss with your healthcare provider whether any of your medications could be causing dizziness or balance problems, as alternatives might be available.
Check out this list of medications (source: cdc.gov) that may be linked to the risk of falls.
Avoid Alcohol
Limiting or eliminating alcohol intake can reduce dizziness and improve your overall balance, as alcohol affects your inner ear and nervous system.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine – Dizziness and Balance Disorders
Wear Proper Footwear
Choose shoes with non-slip soles and good support to enhance stability and reduce your risk of slips and falls.
Source: Mayo Clinic – Fall Prevention
Seek Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (If Appropriate)
Consult a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular rehabilitation to receive tailored exercises that can significantly improve your balance and reduce dizziness.
Are the suggestions for living with balance disorders useful?
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Thanks for reading!
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or comments about how balance disorders are affecting your life by clicking on the Leave Comment button below.