Falls or near-falls due to balance issues
Overview
Falls or near-falls due to balance issues involve episodes of losing stability or nearly losing balance, often resulting in stumbling, tripping, or actually falling down. This symptom typically occurs when the body's balance system is compromised, affecting a person's ability to maintain steady posture while standing, walking, or changing positions.
Common Causes
Balance problems can stem from several common causes. Inner ear issues, such as fluid imbalances or infections, often disrupt your body's natural equilibrium system. Certain medications, particularly blood pressure drugs and sedatives, may cause dizziness or unsteadiness. Age-related changes in vision, muscle strength, and reflexes can also affect stability. Dehydration, low blood sugar, or sudden position changes from sitting to standing frequently contribute to balance difficulties and increase fall risk.
Severity Levels
Mild: Occasional unsteadiness or feeling off-balance, particularly when standing up quickly or walking on uneven surfaces. You may grab onto furniture or walls for support but rarely actually fall.
Moderate: More frequent balance problems with several near-falls per week. You may stumble regularly, feel unsteady when walking, and need to use handrails or walking aids for safety.
Severe: Daily balance issues with actual falls occurring regularly. You may feel unsafe walking without assistance, require mobility aids, and have difficulty with basic activities like getting out of bed or chairs safely.
Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention if you experience frequent falls or near-falls, especially if they occur without an obvious cause like tripping over objects. Contact your doctor immediately if falls result in injury, happen more than once a week, or are accompanied by dizziness, confusion, or weakness. Emergency care is needed if a fall causes severe pain, inability to move, head injury, or loss of consciousness.
4k+ Collection Centres
90k+ Biomarkers Tested
Early Detection