The leading cause of fatal injury in older adults can be prevented

Most falls can be avoided. Adults accept dizziness, vertigo, and unsteady balance as a consequence of age. Those symptoms are often a sign of a vestibular/inner ear problem which impacts balance and can lead to unsteadiness or a fall.

“Falling is not a normal part of aging and it is the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries. These balance issues can affect people of all ages. Every adult has the power to prevent a fall with a few simple tests,” said Preeti Verma, MS, PT. Ms. Verma is certified in vestibular rehabilitation through the American Physical Therapy Association. She is one of the principal therapists involved in the development and implementation of the vestibular disorders program and in the writing of the clinical practice guidelines for treatment of vestibular disorders at Sheltering Arms. “Many adults go undiagnosed or see several doctors over a period of years before the root cause of the balance issue is identified,” added Verma.

The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that process sensory information involved with balance. A balance disorder is a condition that makes an individual feel unsteady or dizzy. Whether standing, sitting, or lying down, there is a feeling of movement such as spinning (vertigo) or floating.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• One in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year.
• Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.
• Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.
• Falls result in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths.
• In 2014, the total cost of fall injuries was $31 billion.
• The financial toll for older adult falls is expected to increase as the population ages and may reach $67.7 billion by 2020.

Balance is an integral part of daily life, and one that most people take for granted. If you get dizzy or lack confidence with your balance and walking, our therapists can help reduce or eliminate your symptoms and prevent future falls. To learn more, click here or call 1-877-56-REHAB