What is a Dizziness, Vertigo, and Imbalance?
Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common symptoms causing patients to visit a physician (as common as back pain and headaches). Falling can be a direct consequence of dizziness in this population, and the risk is compounded in elderly persons with other neurologic deficits and chronic medical problems.
The overall incidence of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance is 5-10%, and it reaches 40% in patients older than 40 years. The incidence of falling is 25% in subjects older than 65 years.
Dizziness
Physiotherapists helps to encourage development and facilitate recovery, enabling people to stay in work while helping them to remain independent for as long as possible.
A sense of dizziness or lightheadedness can result from:
Inner ear problems. Abnormalities of the vestibular system can lead to a sensation of floating or other false sensation of motion.
Psychiatric disorders. Depression (major depressive disorder), anxiety and other psychiatric disorders can cause dizziness.
Abnormally rapid breathing (hyperventilation). This condition often accompanies anxiety disorders and may cause lightheadedness.
Medications. Lightheadedness can be a side effect of medications.
Loss of balance or unsteadiness
Losing your balance while walking, or feeling imbalanced, can result from:
Vestibular problems. Abnormalities in your inner ear can cause a sensation of a floating or heavy head and unsteadiness in the dark.
Nerve damage to your legs (peripheral neuropathy). The damage can lead to difficulties with walking.
Joint, muscle or vision problems. Muscle weakness and unstable joints can contribute to your loss of balance. Difficulties with eyesight also can lead to unsteadiness.
Medications. Loss of balance or unsteadiness can be a side effect of medications.
Certain neurological conditions. These include cervical spondylosis and Parkinson's disease.