What Neurological Disorders Cause Balance Problems | Credihealth

Feeling unstable on your feet? Dealing with frequent falls or dizziness? Something is wrong with your balance, which makes your movements challenging. The balance actually depends on the complex network of brain signals, muscles, and nerves, which some neurological disorders can disrupt. Understanding what neurological disorders cause balance problems is the initial step toward seeking the right solutions.

This blog will help you explore which neurological conditions impact your balance. We’ll also discuss the other causes of balance disorders and how to treat and prevent them!

What Neurological Disorders Cause Balance Problems?

Which neurological conditions lead to balance issues? The following are the neurological disorders that affect the nerves, spinal cord, or brain and impair balance:

1. Vestibular Disorders

The vestibular system is located in the inner part of the ear and is responsible for balance. There occurs vertigo (spinning or whirling sensation), dizziness, and instability when the vestibular system is affected. These vestibular disorders cause balance issues:

• Ménière’s Disease: Causes ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and vertigo.
• Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis: Leads to inflammation in the inner ear which causes balance disturbances and dizziness.

2. Parkinson’s Disease

• This condition impacts balance and movement because of the loss of neurons in the brain that produce dopamine.
• Also, it damages the basal ganglia which is a brain area that plays a key role in coordinating balance, posture, and movement.
• This, as a result, leads to issues like impaired reflexes, slowed movements, rigidity, and postural instability which can increase fall risk. 

3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• This autoimmune disease causes damage to the protective covering of nerve fibers called myelin sheath.
• As a result, it interrupts the communication between the body and brain which affects the area which is responsible for coordination and balance.
• Balance problems due to multiple sclerosis occur because of muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, and impaired coordination.

4. Cerebellar Ataxia

• The cerebellum is the brain part responsible for controlling balance and coordination.
• When it is damaged due to stroke, brain tumors, infections, or genetic conditions, it can lead to ataxia.
• Research states that ataxia is marked by loss of balance and coordinated voluntary muscle function which results in gait (walking) and speech impairment.

5. Stroke

• Stroke-related balance issues can occur due to the interruption of the blood flow to the brain which causes damage to the brain areas responsible for coordination and balance.
• It can also interrupt the ability of the brain to process sensory information like movement and posture that comes from the inner ear, eyes, and rest of body parts, further impairing balance.
• Depending on the severity level, it can lead to loss of coordination, dizziness, weakness on one side, difficulty with movement, and vertigo. 

6. Huntington’s Disease

• This genetic disorder causes continuous breakdown of the nerve cells in the areas of the brain that control movements.
• This, in turn, leads to impaired coordination, muscle weakness, and involuntary movements which makes it difficult to walk or maintain balance.
• Some people with Huntington’s disease might also experience stiffness and slowness of movement which contributes to walking and balance problems.

7. Dementia

• According to a study, balance & gait issues (abnormal walking patterns) may occur in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, a type of dementia.
• Also, posterior cortical atrophy which is a specific form of Alzheimer’s Disease can lead to balance difficulties in the early stage.
• This happens as dementia damages the cerebellum, a brain area that plays a key role in coordination and movement.

8. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

• This condition is marked by the accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, making them enlarge.
• This causes balance problems, difficulty walking, and cognitive impairment as enlarged brain’s ventricles put a strain on the brainstem (that controls balance & coordination) and corticospinal tract (that controls walking and balance).
• NPH can also contribute to issues like cognitive decline, mood changes, and urinary incontinence (uncontrollable urine leakage).

Other Causes of Balance Problems

Other than neurological disorders, these can also be the causes of balance problems:

• Certain medications that slow down the central nervous system.
• Arthritis
• Joint pain
• Visual impairment
• Back or neck pain
• Myelopathy (an injury to the spinal cord)
• Parkinsonism (a brain condition that causes tremors, stiffness, and slow movements)
• Orthostatic hypotension (where blood pressure decreases on standing)

Symptoms of Balance Issues

Balance issues can lead to many symptoms associated with underlying neurological disorders or other conditions. The symptoms mainly include:

• Vertigo (feeling of motion or spinning)
• A feeling of lightheadedness or faintness
• Unsteadiness or loss of balance
• Falling or feeling like you may fall
• Sense of dizziness or floating
• Vision changes like blurred vision
• Confusion

If you experience these symptoms, consult an otolaryngologist (ENT) or neurologist. The doctors can help with proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Balance Problems?

This is how the diagnosis is done:

Physical & Medical History Examination:

• Symptoms Monitoring: The providers monitor the symptoms and ask when they developed, their frequency of occurrence, and what worsened them.

• Walking and Balance Evaluating: They will observe your walking manner and how you are able to control your balance in several positions and conditions.

• Medications Reviewing: They will also ask for your current medications as certain medicines can affect balance.

• Neurological Exam: To check the damage or any brain issues.

Specialized Tests:

• Videonystagmography (VNG): Gives information about how your eyes and inner ear system work.

• Rotary chair test: Monitors the reflex between the eyes and ears.

• Posturography: Evaluate how expertly you can maintain your balance while standing on a moving platform.

• Modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance (mCTSIB): Reveals how the sense of touch in your inner ears, eyes, and feet impacts your balance.

• Video head impulse test (VHIT): Examines the reflex between the eyes and ears in reaction to rapid head movements.

• Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP): Look for specific areas of the inner ear system.

• Dynamic visual acuity testing (DVA): Measures how appropriately your inner ear system is working on moving your head.

Balance Disorder Treatment

The treatment involves the combination of:

Physical therapy 

• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: This physical therapy for balance retrain the brain to correct balance deficits, reduce dizziness, and improve stability.

• Balance retraining exercises: Effective balance exercises include single-leg stances, head turns, and heel-to-toe walking that help improve imbalance.

Lifestyle Changes 

• Follow a healthy diet: Limit salt use to reduce pressure and fluid retention in the inner ear and avoid alcohol and caffeine as they lower blood flow to the inner ear and worsen dizziness.

• Stay hydrated: Drink a lot of fluids to maintain electrolyte and fluid balance in the body as dehydration worsens symptoms of vertigo.

• Practice exercises: Practice strengthening exercises such as tai chi and yoga as they strengthen the nerves and muscles responsible for maintaining balance and assist the brain in fixing any imbalances.

• Maintain a good posture: This supports correct spinal alignment, engages core muscles, and evenly distributes body weight.

• Making home safety: Remove hazards to reduce fall risks and use walkers or cans for added stability.

Medications

The medications for balance disorders include:

• Anti-vertigo medications: Medications like meclizine can relieve symptoms like nausea and dizziness.

• Anti-migraine medications: Drugs such as triptan can treat vestibular headaches.

• Steroids: Steroids like dexamethasone can be recommended to manage vertigo attacks associated with Meniere’s disease.

Surgery 

Persistent and severe balance issues may need surgery like:

• Labyrinthectomy: Typically considered for Meniere’s disease. It involves the removal of the labyrinth (a structure of the inner ear responsible for balance & hearing) to treat vertigo and get rid of abnormal signals from the infected vestibular system.

• Vestibular Nerve Section: Generally recommended for Meniere’s disease and Vestibular neuritis. This procedure involves cutting the vestibular nerve which plays a crucial role in carrying balance & movement information from your inner eye area to the brain.

Preventive Tips for Balance Issues

Consider these preventive measures to alleviate the risk of balance problems:

• Stay Active: Regular practice exercises that efficiently focus on balance and coordination.

• Strengthen Core Muscles: Engage in yoga and pilates for a strong core that helps with better balance and stability. 

• Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: This is because excess body weight can put pressure on the joints, making it tough to maintain balance. 

• Manage Stress & Anxiety: As stress and anxiety can lead to balance problems, practice yoga, deep breathing techniques, and mindfulness to relieve stress.

• Remove Trip Hazards: Repair uneven surfaces, clear pathways, and safely fix rugs to reduce the risk of falls.

• Discuss Medications with a Doctor: Tell about your current medications to a doctor as certain medications are the cause of balance issues. 

• Consider Dietary Changes: If blood pressure is the culprit behind balance issues, limit salt intake. 

• Avoid Alcohol Intake: Excessive consumption of alcohol can contribute to worsening of the balance problems. 

• Get Regular Eye Checkups: As vision issues can also lead to balance problems, get eye checkups to ensure good eye health. 

When to Seek Emergency Help?

Seek immediate medical help by dialing 911 if you or someone around you:

• Can’t move or feel one side of the face or one or both arms
• Can’t see with one or both eyes 
• Speaks in a slurred, confused, or garbled manner
• feel a sudden, painful headache 

Summing Up

So, what neurological disorders can cause balance issues? Neurological conditions like vestibular disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, dementia, cerebellar ataxia, and so on can be the culprit. Understanding the connection between both conditions can help with early detection and treatment that can improve quality of life. If you or someone around you experience persistent dizziness, trouble walking, and unsteadiness, see an otolaryngologist (ENT) or neurologist to know the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

FAQs

Why am I feeling unbalanced but not dizzy?
It can be due to inner ear issues, medications, and neurological conditions. But, always see a healthcare provider to know the exact underlying cause.

Which organ impacts balance?
The organ of balance called the “vestibular system” affects balance. It is located in the inner ear which includes otolith organs and semicircular canals.

Can low vitamin D cause balance issues?
Yes, it can cause balance problems which can lead to poor postural balance and walking instability, particularly in older adults.

What is the number one exercise to increase balance in seniors?
Feet apart is the best exercise as it maintains balance by working on lower body muscles and core that is essential for stability.