Congregational Nurse Note

Good balance is crucial for fall prevention but it is sometimes hard to achieve. Three body systems must be functioning properly and in harmony for balance to be achieved. Those are the visual system, the soma sensory system, and vestibular system. The visual system simply means good eyesight with no major vision deficits. The soma sensory and vestibular issues are more complex to diagnose and treat.

When there is a balance issue, the first consideration is often the inner ear and Meniere’s disease followed by these other possible causes:

¨ Hematoma of the brain caused by a fall

¨ Brain tumors

¨ Medication induced problems

¨ Alcohol related problems

¨ Advanced age which can involve a multitude of issues.

Meniere’s is an inner-ear abnormality associated with fluid volume changes. It can occur quite suddenly and symptoms may include:

¨ Acute dizziness

¨ The sensation of pain or pressure in the ear affected

¨ tinnitus

¨ Changes in the ability to hear

It is generally diagnosed and treated by an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor.

Tumors of the brain are generally diagnosed through CT, MRI, or angiography of the affected area in the brain. Many tumors that were formerly inoperable are now being successfully removed.

Medications are a major issue in older adults, in part due to polypharmancy (multiple medications being prescribed). Always check with your physician and or pharmacist to see if medications may be interacting and thus causing additional balance problems. Of particular concern are:

¨ Sedatives

¨ Tranquilizers

¨ Anti-seizure medications

¨ Some hypertensive medications

Always read the labels of both prescription and over the counter medications and always heed the label related to alcohol intake and medications.

If no treatable cause for the balance issues can be found, you may still benefit from an exercise regime that focuses on balance and possibly even therapy sessions with a physical therapist. Talk with your doctor about other options that might be of benefit.

—Ellen Van Arsdale

Congregational Nurse