Balance Problems Common in Adults

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More than 1 in 3 adults has balance problems, a study has found. These problems can lead to dangerous falls. Adults with diabetes are even more likely to have problems with balance. Balance is controlled by a system in the inner ear. It is called the vestibular system. When it doesn't work right, a person feels dizzy. The study looked at 5,086 adults, ages 40 and older. They found that about 35 of every 100 people had some balance problems. Among people with diabetes, about 60 of every 100 had some balance problems. The study was published May 25 in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.

What Is the Doctor's Reaction?

Falls are common, even among active, healthy adults. They can be dangerous for older people. When I treat a patient who has fallen, I try to find out the reason for the fall. Did someone trip over something? Were they drinking too much alcohol? Did they have a funny heart rhythm that caused them to faint?

This article adds to the list of risk factors: inner ear balance disorders. The study authors looked at a sample of adults over 40 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Researchers measured people’s balance and asked people questions. They found that 35% had some balance dysfunction. The risk was higher in people with diabetes and people with less education.

People with balance problems were eight times more likely to feel dizzy and fall, compared with people who did not have balance problems. This study will help doctors to diagnose and treat causes of falls. It also remind us to ask people if they are having balance problems. In the future, we may be able to prevent some falls, as well as the injuries they cause.

What Changes Can I Make Now?

Vertigo is the most common symptom of balance problems. For most people, vertigo makes you feel as if the room is spinning. It can get worse if you turn your head or change position. Some people also have nausea, unsteadiness or hearing loss. There are some good treatments for vertigo. It is worth discussing with your doctor. Also, if you have fallen, think about these questions:

* Do you have trouble with your eyes, ears or balance?
* Do you have Parkinson’s disease?
* Do you have weakness for any reason?
* Are you on any medicines that might make you lightheaded or dizzy?
* Is your home safe from fall hazards?

Consider these risk factors. Talk with your doctor about handling them. That can help you to avoid falls and their consequences.

What Can I Expect Looking to the Future?

If balance problems are as common as this study has found, then I think that you can expect that doctors, nurses and caregivers will give more attention to vestibular problems and balance. I hope, too, that we can develop more wide-ranging programs to prevent falls. Preventing falls is much better than having to treat the consequences.