When to Talk to Your Doctor About Imbalance

Feeling unsteady on your feet or experiencing frequent dizziness can be concerning. While occasional imbalance can result from something as simple as dehydration or a quick head movement, persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate an underlying neurological issue, such as Parkinson’s disease. 

Knowing when to seek medical attention can help prevent falls and uncover any serious conditions affecting balance, which is why our team of experts created this guide.

Below, the Link Neuroscience Institute team explains the common causes of balance issues and when it’s time to give us a call.

6 common reasons you might feel off balance

Balance issues can stem from a variety of conditions, including:

1. Inner ear disorders 

Conditions like Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can disrupt your inner ear’s ability to regulate balance.

2. Neurological disorders

Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, or peripheral neuropathy can affect coordination and stability.

3. Medication side effects

Certain medications, such as those for blood pressure, anxiety, or sleep, can cause dizziness or balance problems.

If you suspect your medication is causing side effects, let your prescribing provider know. Don’t adjust or stop your medication unless directed to do so.

4. Aging and muscle weakness 

As you age, muscle loss and joint problems can contribute to instability. Regular exercise, especially exercises that improve your balance, can help remedy this.

5. Low blood pressure or circulation issues

Poor circulation can lead to dizziness and fainting, particularly when standing up too quickly.

6. Dehydration

Dehydration reduces blood volume, which can lead to lower blood pressure and decreased oxygen flow to your brain — all of which can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. 

It also affects the inner ear, a key part of your balance system, and can make you feel unsteady or disoriented. 

Without enough fluids, muscle weakness and fatigue can further contribute to instability and an increased risk of falls.

Signs it’s time to talk to your doctor about imbalance

While occasional dizziness or mild unsteadiness isn’t always a cause for concern, you should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Frequent falls or near-falls
• Sudden or severe dizziness
• Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
• Numbness or weakness in your limbs
• Difficulty walking or coordinating movements
• Blurred vision or trouble focusing
• Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or ear fullness

If your imbalance is persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, your Link Neuroscience Institute provider can evaluate your symptoms and determine the cause.

Protect yourself from falls

One of the biggest dangers of feeling off balance is the risk of falling. Over 14 million older adults fall each year, making it the leading cause of injury for adults over the age of 65.

Creating a safe home environment to prevent falls is good practice, whether or not you are concerned about balance. Little tasks like keeping walkways clear, using handrails, lighting walkways, and using mount bars in the shower can go a long way toward reducing your risk of falling.

That said, even with fall prevention strategies in place, don’t ignore any concerns about balance. Our team can help you identify the root of your balance issues and recommend the right treatment.

How our team can help with balance issues

A neurological evaluation may include tests to assess your balance, coordination, nerve function, and brain health. Depending on the cause, treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy and balance exercises
• Vestibular rehabilitation for inner ear disorders
• Medication adjustments if side effects are causing an imbalance
• Lifestyle changes, such as improving hydration and managing blood pressure
• Specialized treatments like deep brain stimulation for neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or MS 

The bottom line is that if you're experiencing ongoing balance issues, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule an appointment in our Camarillo, Oxnard, or Santa Barbara, California, location. You can also schedule your next appointment online.