Falls are a leading cause of injury among the elderly, resulting in hip fractures and other complications. Most falls are caused by environmental factors, such as slippery floors and obstacles, but falls can also be caused by balance problems.

Balance problems cover a wide range of conditions from dizziness to faintness to lightheadedness. Normal balance relies on muscle strength and flexibility and three systems of senses: visual, vestibular (found in the inner ear) and somatosensory (sensations from the skin, muscles, tendons and joints). When these systems aren’t functioning well, you may experience balance problems, which can lead to falls. As people age, changes can occur which weaken these senses, making the elderly more likely to suffer a fall.

Balance disorders can be caused by multiple factors, including:

• Complications from Parkinson’s isease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke
• DM
• Hearing problems
• Loss of sensation in the feet or joints
• Muscle weakness
• Side effects from medications
• Vestibular disorders and ear infections
• Vision problems

Patients who have difficulty rising from a sitting position without using their hands to pushoff, who walk slowly or with support or have fallen in the past year are at the highest risk of falls.

FMC Campus’ Fall Prevention and Balance Clinic brings together a team of professionals, including a physician, pharmacist and therapist to identify, assess and treat the causes of balance issues to prevent falls. Our goal is to facilitate safe, independent living through improvement in balance disorders.

For more information on our Fall Prevention and Balance Clinic, please contact us by calling 1.866.498.LIFE (5433).