Causes of Imbalance While Walking

Experiencing an imbalance while walking can be normal if it occurs infrequently, such as stumbling, wearing inappropriate footwear, or being distracted. However, if stumbling becomes frequent or if one feels dizziness and loss of balance, it is essential to consult a physician. This may indicate an underlying health issue in the inner ear or the brain. Below, we outline several factors that may contribute to balance loss during walking:

Vestibular Disorders

Certain disorders affecting the inner ear may lead to a sensation of heaviness in the head and a loss of balance, particularly in low-light conditions. The vestibular system, which connects the inner ear to the brain, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance when getting out of bed or navigating uneven surfaces. Disturbances or injuries to this system can result in various symptoms, the most common being loss of balance and dizziness. Less commonly, it can also cause disturbances in hearing and vision. The risk of developing balance disorders increases with age, although these disorders can occur at any stage of life. Here are some common vestibular disorders:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is one of the most common causes of vertigo, characterized by sudden feelings of spinning in the head or body. BPPV is typically triggered by specific head position changes, such as lying down, sitting up, or turning the head. It can cause brief episodes of dizziness ranging from mild to severe.
Labyrinthitis: This condition involves inflammation of the labyrinth, a delicate structure deep within the inner ear, leading to balance disturbances alongside other symptoms such as hearing impairment, ear pain, nausea, fever, and discharge from the ear.
Vestibular Neuritis: This disorder may develop following a viral infection in another part of the body, such as measles or chickenpox. Symptoms include sudden dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and impaired walking ability.
Meniere’s Disease: Usually affecting one ear, this inner ear disorder results in severe dizziness or vertigo, along with other symptoms such as ear pressure, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The severity of hearing loss typically worsens over time and can result in permanent hearing impairment in some cases. Meniere’s is often associated with fluid accumulation in the ear, potentially triggered by autoimmune responses, allergies, or viral infections.

Nerve Damage in the Legs

Nerve damage in the legs may be due to peripheral neuropathy, a neurological disorder affecting the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, particularly those of the feet and hands. It can result in symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and pain described as burning or tingling. The peripheral nervous system’s role is to transmit sensations to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and to relay information from the central nervous system to various parts of the body. This type of nerve disorder can develop due to genetic factors, exposure to toxins, infections, direct injuries, metabolic disorders, or diabetes, which is one of the most common causes. In some cases, neuropathy can lead to difficulties in walking and resultant balance loss.

Muscle and Joint Disorders

Muscle and joint disorders can also contribute to balance loss. Loss of muscle control, known as ataxia, can impact the muscles of the legs and arms, leading to a lack of coordination, balance difficulties, and impaired walking ability. Ataxia can affect movement in various body parts, including:

Trunk
Legs
Arms
Hands
Fingers
Eyes

Multiple factors can cause ataxia, including:

Stroke
Tumors
Multiple sclerosis
Nerve disorders
Alcohol addiction
Metabolic disorders
Vitamin deficiencies
Immune disorders affecting the brain

Vision Disorders

Loss of balance while walking may result from vision disorders. Proper visual acuity is essential for maintaining balance, processing the movement of surrounding objects, and coordinating our own movements in open spaces. Approximately 12% of the nerves involved in transmitting information from the eyes to the brain are connected to the vestibular system, which, as mentioned earlier, is responsible for balance and eye movement. Additionally, sensory information from muscles and joints plays an important role in maintaining body balance.

Medications

Certain medications can lead to loss of balance, dizziness, and vertigo as side effects due to their impact on vision or the inner ear. Some medications that may contribute to these issues include:

Some medications used to treat heart diseases and hypertension
Some medications for managing diabetes
Antidepressants
Anti-anxiety agents
Sedatives

Neurological Disorders

Some neurological disorders, such as cervical spondylosis or Parkinson’s disease, may lead to balance issues. Here is a closer look at these disorders:

Cervical Spondylosis: This degenerative condition may occur due to the natural wear and tear of discs, bones, and joints in the neck area with age. The cervical discs lose their flexibility and become stiffer, often accompanied by cervical spinal stenosis, which results from complications like bone spur development, leading to nerve compression. The likelihood of developing this disorder increases with age.
Parkinson’s Disease: This brain disorder results in tremors, rigidity, and the loss of coordinated movement abilities. Symptoms typically worsen gradually, and besides balance loss and walking difficulties, individuals may experience other complications such as memory issues, fatigue, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and behavioral changes.

Preventing Falls

Here are some recommendations to help prevent falls related to balance issues:

Enhancing body strength, particularly in the core, can assist in improving balance and preventing falls. Regular strength training, yoga, or tai chi can be beneficial, but it is advisable to consult a physician before starting any exercise program.
Wearing flexible shoes with low heels can help prevent falls, especially on slippery surfaces; women should also try to avoid high heels to reduce the risk of losing balance.
Using handrails when ascending or descending stairs can help prevent falls. Falls on stairs can occur in individuals of all ages, so it is essential to practice using handrails consistently.
Clearing the floor of obstacles that could cause trips or falls is crucial.
Implementing safety measures at home, such as installing night lights for safe navigation during the night, ensuring proper lighting throughout the house, and installing grab bars in high-risk slippery areas like bathrooms, is advisable.