Loss of Balance
Balance loss typically occurs because of problems with the signals that the brain receives from the ear, as they control spatial awareness and balance sense. There’s a range of issues that can lead to it. They can also occur with or feel like the world is spinning, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty walking, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, blurred vision, heart rate and blood pressure changes, panic, and anxiety.
The possible triggers from balance loss are labyrinthitis, Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuronitis, and lightheadedness. Perilymph fistula, rheumatoid arthritis, and vertigo can also trigger it. Medications like antidepressants, anti-anxiety, heart disease, blood pressure drugs, and sedatives may also have the side effect of losing balance. Some tests to diagnose the cause may include hearing, blood, brain activity, and vision tests.
Treatment will be based on what triggers the balance loss. For example, if it’s a side effect of a specific medication, doctors may recommend an alternative drug or reduce its dosage to alleviate the problem. For BPPV, the Epley technique has been reported to be effective at relieving balance loss-related symptoms. Medications may be prescribed for other medical conditions like Ménière’s disease to treat the underlying disorders and alleviate the symptoms.
