Balance Disorders Education and Support

Growing older doesn’t have to mean falling

At some point in our lives, almost all of us have lost our balance or tripped and taken a fall. In most cases, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and move on. However, the risk of falling and seriously injuring yourself increases greatly as you get older. For elderly patients, falling down represents a serious health issue. Here are some facts:

• 20 percent of people over age 65 will suffer a serious fall next year. This amounts to seven million falls per year.
• Approximately 33 percent of these falls will occur at home.
• Approximately 10 percent of those who fall once will fall again. Half of these patients will die within the next year.
• Of those elderly who fall and fracture a hip, 20 percent will die within a year and another 20 percent will move from living independently to living in a nursing home.

We know you worry about potentially fatal falls as you grow older, which makes balance problems all the more troubling. With the right resources, however, you can prevent falls as you age and even improve your balance.

What causes falling?

Many people find that their balance starts to falter as they grow older. Falls can be caused by:

• Bed rest or inactivity (loss of strength in your legs and feet)
• Dizziness or unsteadiness
• Poor vision and/or hearing
• Loss of confidence in your mobility
• Medication side effects
• Other medical conditions, like Parkinson's Disease or stroke
• Environmental conditions: cluttered living areas, poor lighting, area rugs, long cords, clothing and shoes that do not fit properly

How do I know if I have a balance problem?

At Henry Ford, we have advanced screening technology and dedicated experts who can help you determine if you have a balance problem. Our state-of-the-art technology includes:

• Computerized equilibrium tests that evaluate the sensory and motor parts of your balance system
• Sensory tests that focus on your inner ear (vestibular), eyes and sense of touch in your feet and joints
• Motor tests to assess your ability to coordinate muscle and joint movements needed to maintain balance
• NeuroCom Balance Master® Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP), which uses sensors and a moving platform and walls to test vision, inner ears, muscles and joints, as well as body awareness and center of gravity perception

Learn more about our balance disorder services, including treatment options.

How do I prevent falling?

Even simple factors like cluttered spaces or poor lighting can increase the risk of falling, but you can reduce your risk with these steps:

• Be aware of your surroundings: Keep floors free from clutter and rugs, which can cause tripping. When possible, use railings or bars to support yourself on stairs and in the bathroom. Make sure your hallways are well lit so you can see what’s around you.
• Use helpful equipment: Properly-fitting shoes with grip soles can make it easier to walk. If you use a walker or a cane, make sure it’s at the correct height for you. Take care of all your senses by keeping glasses and hearing aids clean and using them often.
• Maintain your general health: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. When you’re lying down, try to get up slowly so your body can adjust. And make sure you’re aware of the side effects of your medications.

The balance team at Henry Ford can help you address your unique balance needs.