Balance and Falls

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to have good balance to assist in fall prevention. The CDC reports that 1 in every 3 people over the age of 65 years old will fall one time each year. This statistic increases to ½  population over the age of 80 years old. Those are some pretty staggering numbers! These falls can result in minor bruises or bumps but also often result in fractures or head injuries.  To prevent injury, we suggest assessing yourself to determine if you are likely to be one of those who might be at risk of a fall. 

Vertigo -- The Room is Spinning, Make it Stop

Vertigo can be caused by many things including head trauma, stroke, neurological issues or tumors.  This post will focus on a very easily treated form of vertigo-- BPPV (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo).  This type of vertigo is related to changes in position of the crystals that are a component of the inner ear. 

Symptoms include brief bursts of dizziness, spinning sensations, nausea and or lightheadedness. Some complain of a vague sense of not being "grounded" and being off balance.  Symptoms are often intermittent being present for a few days or weeks, stopping and recurring again.