Symptoms and Causes of Poor Balance

For example:

• A tumor, such as an acoustic neuroma, can also cause balance problems.
• Head injury, strenuous physical activity, ear infections, and atmospheric pressure changes can cause inner ear fluid to leak into your middle ear. This can cause balance problems.
• Inner ear infection or inflammation can make you feel dizzy and unsteady. The flu or an upper respiratory infection can cause this condition.
• Meniere’s disease changes the volume of fluid in your ear, causing balance problems, hearing loss, and ringing in your ears. Its cause is unknown.
• Sea travel can cause balance problems that may take hours, days, or months to clear up.
• Vertigo causes dizziness when you move your head. The symptoms usually occur when you look behind you or look up to reach for an item positioned above your head.

You may be at risk of balance problems if you’re on medication, have a viral infection, experiencing inner ear problems, or recovering from a head injury.

If you’re age 65 or older and have arthritis, or high or low blood pressure, your risk of balance problems is higher.

Traveling on a boat or ship may also cause temporary balance problems.

Diagnosis of Balance Problems

In fact, balance problems are sometimes corrected by addressing the underlying health condition.

Also, they may be treated with:

• Dietary changes
• Exercises you can do at home
• Medication
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

Medications

Your doctor will review your medications. They might replace them or adjust your dosage. If your condition is caused by a bacterial ear infection, your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic to cure it.

However, if you have symptoms of nausea, they may prescribe antinausea medication. Your doctor might also inject small doses of corticosteroids behind your eardrum to decrease dizziness.

Surgery

Additionally, if you have Ménière’s disease, your doctor may recommend surgery on your vestibular system, which makes up your inner ear and affects your balance.

Home care

To relieve vertigo, your doctor may prescribe activities that can be done at home or with the help of a rehabilitation therapist.

Also, a common technique that can be performed at home is the Employ maneuver.

However, it involves sitting up and then quickly resting on your back and turning your head to one side. After a couple of minutes, you sit back up. Your doctor will probably show you this technique in their office. You can repeat it at home to reduce or eliminate dizziness.

On the other hand, if the cause of your balance problem is unknown or incurable, your doctor might instruct you on various ways to reduce your risk of injury. You may require assistance when using the restroom or climbing stairs. Using a cane or handrails at home may also be necessary.

Likewise, It’s generally best to avoid driving if your condition is severe.

Also, your doctor might make recommendations to address your overall health. These might include:

• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
• Eating a well balanced diet
• Exercising
• Limiting  your salt intake
• Quitting smoking

While balance problems can be temporary or a long-term issue, depending on what causes them.

However, if you have an ear infection or have just traveled on a boat, the condition generally clears up in time with treatment. However, if the cause is unknown or the issues are a result of chronic conditions or aging, the symptoms may continue indefinitely.

Above all, speak with your doctor to learn more about your condition and outlook.