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What Causes Balance Disorder In Elders?
My father is having balance problem when turning or stoping during walk. He has fallen in washroom twice. He also gets tired by walking merely 50 to 100 meters. Last year when he was diagnosed, B12 deficiency was found. He was given weekly injection and pills for one month. His b12 level is ok now. Couple of months back he has been given iron injections for 3 weeks. No improvement. Mean while during several tests it was observed that his CBC is not good he has very low wbc, rbc,haemoglobin platelets etc . To diagnose further his bone marrow biopsy was conducted and nothing surprising was observed. Please note that my father has diabetic history from last 10 years and he is on regular medicine. Also please suggest what could be the cause of balance disorder.
Thu, 1 Jun 2023
Hi,
Balance disorders in older adults can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
* Inner ear problems: The inner ear is responsible for sending signals to the brain about the body's position and movement. Any damage or problems in the inner ear can cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues.
* Neurological disorders: Conditions like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke can affect the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination.
* Medications: Some medications can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and imbalance, especially in older adults.
* Diabetes: Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in the legs and feet, leading to numbness and balance issues.
* Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and D can cause balance problems.
* Muscle weakness: Weakness in the leg muscles can make it difficult for older adults to maintain their balance while walking.
* Low blood pressure: Low blood pressure can cause lightheadedness and dizziness, leading to balance issues.
In your father's case, it seems like his balance disorder may be related to his B12 deficiency or diabetic history. However, his low blood cell counts suggest a possible underlying condition that needs further investigation. It is important to follow up with his healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment for his balance disorder and low blood cell counts.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Balance disorders in older adults can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
* Inner ear problems: The inner ear is responsible for sending signals to the brain about the body's position and movement. Any damage or problems in the inner ear can cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues.
* Neurological disorders: Conditions like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke can affect the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination.
* Medications: Some medications can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and imbalance, especially in older adults.
* Diabetes: Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in the legs and feet, leading to numbness and balance issues.
* Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and D can cause balance problems.
* Muscle weakness: Weakness in the leg muscles can make it difficult for older adults to maintain their balance while walking.
* Low blood pressure: Low blood pressure can cause lightheadedness and dizziness, leading to balance issues.
In your father's case, it seems like his balance disorder may be related to his B12 deficiency or diabetic history. However, his low blood cell counts suggest a possible underlying condition that needs further investigation. It is important to follow up with his healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment for his balance disorder and low blood cell counts.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Hello,
Your father is suffering from balance disorder. He also has a history of low RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, platelets, etc. He is also diabetic. Sudden balance disorder in elderly is commonly due to poor general health condition, low blood pressure, low iron level, improper blood circulation, low blood sugar, neurological condition, vestibular problems, vertigo, etc.
He is suggested to get a complete medical check up done so that any chronic illness may be diagnosed and treated at the earliest. Vestibular or inner ear problems should be clinically examined by an ENT. If vertigo is detected, taking Vertin-16 will be helpful. He should avoid driving or doing any heavy work. Since diabetic, he should take all care to maintain the blood sugar level at normal, high blood sugar will trigger and worsen the symptoms.
He should get connected to a Physical therapist, do walking and exercises under observation. Massage therapy and cognitive behavior therapy works well. He should take a well balance home made nutritious diet, avoid packaged and processed food. He should stay away from addictions if any.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
Your father is suffering from balance disorder. He also has a history of low RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, platelets, etc. He is also diabetic. Sudden balance disorder in elderly is commonly due to poor general health condition, low blood pressure, low iron level, improper blood circulation, low blood sugar, neurological condition, vestibular problems, vertigo, etc.
He is suggested to get a complete medical check up done so that any chronic illness may be diagnosed and treated at the earliest. Vestibular or inner ear problems should be clinically examined by an ENT. If vertigo is detected, taking Vertin-16 will be helpful. He should avoid driving or doing any heavy work. Since diabetic, he should take all care to maintain the blood sugar level at normal, high blood sugar will trigger and worsen the symptoms.
He should get connected to a Physical therapist, do walking and exercises under observation. Massage therapy and cognitive behavior therapy works well. He should take a well balance home made nutritious diet, avoid packaged and processed food. He should stay away from addictions if any.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
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