medications that can cause balance issues
Muscle weakness can occur in one or both legs making walking difficult. In most cases, when diagnosed early, successful cataract surgery will help to fully restore balance. Medications that caused few if any side effects in youth can cause discomfort or risky side effects later in life. The brain is one of the most important organs when it comes to body function and that’s because it’s linked to our central nervous system. They are one cause of You may also have blurred vision, confusion, and disorientation. Managing balance problems often requires treating the underlying cause.The supportive care services that may help include: Oncology rehabilitation Balance training in physical therapy is three-dimensional, addressing visual, vestibular (equilibrium) and perception implications. Last medically reviewed on August 30, 2019, Men with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of complications like erectile dysfunction (ED). You might experience a spinning sensation when turning in bed or tilting your head back to look up. Vestibular suppressants are medications designed specifically to treat motion sickness and/or eye movements caused by vestibular imbalance. Sometimes the solution is as simple as getting the right pair of glasses, but other times it can be due to something more serious, like an eye disease. The term sexually transmitted disease (STD) is used to refer to a condition that’s passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Sadly there is no cure for MS at the moment, but thankfully there is a lot of awareness around this condition, mainly because it affects so many people, and of course ongoing research happening every day which brings us that much closer to a solution. While this one is much more unlikely than some of the other health conditions on this list, it does happen. Some of these medicines include sedatives, anti-depressants, anti-epileptic drugs and some medicines taken to lower blood pressure. A very obvious cause of balance issues can be blamed on a series of common foot conditions. These include some blood pressure medications, antibiotics, tranquilizers, heart medications, and anti-seizure Antihistamines and decongestants Antihistamines block histamine receptors to prevent allergic reactions. Definitely don’t go self diagnosing yourself with a brain tumor, especially since there are many other explanations for a lack of balance. The song was rather correct, “the ear bone is connected to the eye bone” and on and on, which is why the vestibular system, a maze-like bony structure in the ear impacts your vision and works to maintain proper balance. We’ve all heard those commercials that advertise medication and then recite off a long, never ending list of side effects that sometimes seem worse than the condition itself! Catching this disease early is the best way to manage any symptoms. So who’s at risk? Such drugs can cause hearing loss, hyperacusis, tinnitus, and other phantom sounds and a whole host of balance problems.” Although physician-prescribed medications may effectively treat a specific health condition, they can also damage the fragile hair cells in the inner ear, impacting a person’s ability to hear and balance ( source ). In particular, any damage to the cerebellum, an important part of the brain, could affect a person’s balance and lead to a lack of stability or limb control. The result is light-headedness, impaired spatial awareness, dizziness and even fainting if sufferers sit or stand up too quickly. There are a wide variety of treatments for all issues. There are two types of the virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. We’ve already established that certain conditions can mess with our vision and lead to balance issues (i.e., diabetes). Findings published in the Journal of Vestibular Research pointed to migraine-associated vertigo, a condition that, like traditional migraines, causes spasms, relaxed blood vessels, and alters blood flow in the brain. Yet, many of the most common causes of For instance, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or other ataxia-related disorders (atrophy of the brain’s cerebellum cells) often experience a decline in muscle control in the legs and arms, resulting in loss of balance, disturbed gait, and decreasing posture, coordination, and equilibrium. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Those with low blood pressure typically read under 90/60. When this happens, dopamine levels are reduced. BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo in adults. Treatment for gait and balance issues depends on the cause. Parkinson’s disease has a huge impact on balance and coordination because it affects the “substantia nigra” which is the part of the brain that produces dopamine, which is what allows us to perform smooth and coordinated muscle movements. Some drugs can also cause damage to your inner ear. If you’ve ever suffered a nasty migraine, you know how the agonizing pain can cause motion sickness, vision issues, and even disruptions in balance as the sufferer becomes extremely sensitive to light and sound. It grows on the main nerve connecting the ears to the brain, so it has a huge impact on balance signals in the inner ear. Problems that affect the Although all medications can cause side-effects, quite a few commonly used drugs are known to make thinking and balance worse in aging adults. certain medications, including antihypertensive drugs Other causes include limited range of motion and fatigue . It could be due to a slew of other problems, like any of the others listed above. Causes of balance problems include medications, ear infection, a head injury, or anything else that affects the inner ear or brain. Here’s an evidence-based look at some common drugs that can cause cognitive impairment. “If people are drowsy from medications then it affects their reaction time. You may require rehabilitation to learn to move muscles, to compensate for a lack of balance, and to learn how to prevent falls. The most common symptoms of gait and balance problems include: Other symptoms may occur depending on the underlying cause or condition. For older adults, gait and balance problems can cause you to fall. WebMD provides a chart showing how everything from … They are antihistamines, anticholinergics, or benzodiazepines. Medications: A number of commonly used medications can cause dizziness, lightheadedness and decreased balance. For vertigo-caused balance issues, you may learn how to position your head to regain balance. April 4, 2019, 7:47 PM UTC / Updated Dec. 2, 2020, 3:38 PM UTC / Source : TODAY The Vestibular Disorders Association says the vestibular system is responsible for sensory information relating to motion, equilibrium, and spatial orientation. These feelings can happen whether you're lying down, sitting or standing.Many body systems — including your muscles, bones, joints, vision, the balance organ in the inner ear, nerves, heart and blood vessels — must work normally for you to have normal balance. On top of all this, it also has a big impact on balance and can cause vertigo or tinnitus. Antiarrhythmics, vasodilators and digoxin (heart drugs) Pain relievers such as opioids However, many people do not have side effects … Addison's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Don't Sweat These 6 Facts About Hyperhidrosis, Calcific Tendonitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments, Polydipsia: 6 Medical Causes of Excessive Thirst, Dyspnea: Common Causes of Shortness of Breath, 6 Health Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation That Aren't Sleepiness, Health Conditions Associated with Cleft Lip or Palate, Diabetes: How to Prepare for Winter Sports, Holiday Survival Tips for Type 1 Diabetes, New Year's Resolutions for People with Diabetes, Tips on How to Raise a Child with Type 1 Diabetes, Facts on Hemophilia and Inherited Bleeding Disorders, How to Navigate the Holidays with Type 1 Diabetes, Señales Tempranas de la Enfermedad de Parkinson. Your diet, along with medications you might take, may be aggravating urinary incontinence symptoms. Antihistamines block the release of saliva, which results in dry mouth.⁶ Patty Weasler, RN. Optometrists say that yearly eye exams are vital to identify and prevent conditions like glaucoma and cataracts from messing with depth perception and healthy sight. Problems with gait, balance, and coordination are often caused by specific conditions, including: Other causes include limited range of motion and fatigue. Issues originating in the nervous system can be the culprits of many postural and balance problems. Here are some commonly prescribed medications known to cause tinnitus and some options and alternative medications to consider. However, rather than targeting pain centers, migraine-associated vertigo attacks balance areas of the brain, causing instability. Parkinson’s disease, which also progressively affects balance, may cause a person to fall, shake, or feel off-balance. However, the eyes themselves can also be the gateway to dizziness and loss of equilibrium if vision becomes impaired in some way. All rights reserved. WebMD explains that it usually originates from a shingles virus that affects the facial nerve. A physical and neurological examination can diagnose gait or balance problems. HSV-1 is known as oral herpes, and HSV-2 is…. Uncontrolled diabetes can wreak havoc on just about every organ in the body—causing vision problems, improper functioning kidneys, nerve damage, oral issues, and troubles with balance. Prevention lists other signs of Peripheral neuropathy like sharp pain, dizziness, muscle weakness, stomach problems, numbness in the hands and feet, excessive sweating, and sensitivity to touch. In some cases, falls can be fatal. alternative medications such as Ginkgo biloba, melatonin, St. John’s wort, and medical marijuana Combining drugs or drinking alcohol along with any of these medications may … Daniel Gold, DO, a neurology professor at Johns Hopkins school of Medicine also told the source that the worse off a person is, meaning the more medication they’re taking, the more likely this is to happen. Whether you…. Dizziness usually occurs when the body’s visual information system is unable to properly process exterior stimuli via the brain, needed to maintain proper balance. According to Prevention, this condition is relatively common. Meniere’s disease changes the volume of fluid in your ear, causing balance problems, hearing loss, and ringing in your ears. 9 Depending on what kind of balance disorder you have, certain medication may also be prescribed to alleviate symptoms as follows: 10 Any medication can cause side effects, and high blood pressure (HBP) medications are no exception. Poor cognitive performance In a population-based, cross-sectional cohort study in BMJ Open , researchers scoured the UK Biobank for correlations between common medications and cognitive function. Katherine is the Senior Managing Editor of ActiveBeat and Childhood. Type 2 Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Is There a Connection? BPPV occurs when calcium crystals in your inner ear — which help control your balance — are dislodged from their normal positions and move elsewhere in the inner ear. This acute condition lowers the blood pressure in the arteries which then robs the brain of oxygen-rich blood. Muscle weakness can occur in one or both legs making walking difficult. Balance problems are frequently associated with the normal aging process, and many seniors begin to compensate for their lack of balance without trying to identify the cause. Loss of balance while walking can commonly occur due to consumption of certain medications taken for treating existing ailments. Findings published in the Journal of Vestibular Research pointed to migraine-associated vertigo, a condition that, like traditional migraines, causes spasms, relaxed blood vessels, and alters blood flow in the brain. Sadly, unmanaged diabetes will cause serious blood vessel and/or nerve damage, which can ultimately lead to severe foot problems and amputation. Labyrinthitis is an infection of the inner ear, or the labyrinth. You may also have blurred vision, confusion, and disorientation. Common causes of balance problems in children range from ear infections, severe headaches, and certain medications to more serious According to balance disorder specialists at Portland’s Oregon Health & Science University, this is why a simple ear infection can cause vertigo, an unsteady sensation from any condition affecting the inner ear and overall balance (i.e., a tumor). Some drugs that may interact with statins and increase your risk of side effects include: Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), a medication for irregular heart rhythms Gemfibrozil (Lopid), another variety of cholesterol drug HIV treatments called protease inhibitors such as saquinavir (Invirase) and ritonavir (Norvir) The outlook of gait and balance problems is dependent on your underlying medical condition. Your doctor will look to find which part of the nervous system is contributing to your gait and balance problems. Treatments may include medications and physical therapy. Your doctor will also ask questions about your symptoms and their severities. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the entire nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Vestibular balance disorders are a group of conditions characterized by impaired sense of balance. Health Check Certified By: Certain areas of the brain are responsible for movement and coordination, so if a tumor is sitting in the “right” spot it can affect balance and vertigo. When they have dropped 60 to 80 percent, symptoms of PD start to appear,” writes Healthline. Labyrinthitis may cause dizziness, nausea, and a loss of balance. What to look for with gait and balance problems. Not surprisingly, when nerves that are used for movement or muscle control are affected, it can result in a lack of coordination or balance. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness when you stand up too quickly. There's no cure for cold sores and they may…, Herpes simplex virus is common in the United States. And 8 Other FAQs, A Guide to Genital Herpes Symptoms in Women, Everything You Need to Know About Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, certain medications, including antihypertensive drugs. Instability typically results from a combination of loss of sensation, or nerve damage, and inadequate blood flow to the bottoms of the feet. Well for starters it’s responsible for transmitting impulses through nerve fibres and any damage could have a major impact. Be sure to see your doctor to get a thorough examination to identify why you’re having gait and balance difficulties. Balance is a motor skill that you can maintain and even improve with exercise that keep your hips, knees, and ankles strong. Here's how to do it. So, what’s so important about the myelin? The same source goes on to say it can affect the “facial, auditory and vestibular nerves near one of your ears.”. Commonly used medicines that may affect your balance Further potential tests to identify causes include: An MRI or CT scan can check your brain and spinal cord. While most medications are prescribed to help and heal us, many drugs carry side effects that can negatively impact our balance. It can be easy to lose steadiness if our sight or even focus becomes impaired. Medications which may affect balance include OTC sleeping aids as well as prescription sleeping pills, pain medications which are commonly used for chronic back or arthritic problems, blood pressure medications including vasodilators and diuretics (often taken by people with diabetes), antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, anti-viral medications, and anti-histamines taken for … Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Unisom, Sominex), temazepam (Restoril), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zolpidem (Ambien). 1) Aspirin and NSAIDs Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are known to cause ringing in the ears and hearing loss when used at high doses and/or for long periods of time . She enjoys cooking (with wine), walking her dog, reading, and recently joined a yoga studio! Several diseases and disorders affecting the inner ear or brain or certain medications may cause balance disorders. These include: These include: Drugs in a class known as “ anticholinergics ,” which includes drugs for overactive bladder, itching/allergy, vertigo, nausea, and certain drugs for nerve pain or depression. Walking difficulties can be temporary or long-term, depending on the cause. The vestibular system is the medical term for the parts of the inner ear involved with the control of balance, and disorders that affect this part of the body can cause different signs and symptoms. Balance problems can make you feel unsteady. The symptoms are similar to shingles, which includes a nasty rash, but also include — weakness, hearing loss, and ear pain. Issues caused by medications can include changes to your vision, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness. You might feel that you're going to fall down. Potential causes of temporary gait or balance complications include: Longer-term difficulties often result from muscular neurological issues. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. “They may interact and bad reactions, including balance issues, can be amplified,” says Gold. Other symptoms can include blurred vision, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and anxiety. “In PD, the cells of the substantia nigra start to die. However, this same effect happens in other areas of the body, including the mouth and tongue. This can lead to injury, loss of independence, and a change in lifestyle. The health condition surrounding nerve damage is called Peripheral neuropathy. “When we’re not getting feeling from our feet, we’re not getting feedback from those nerves to our brain — and that’s one-third of our balance right there,” says Bywater to Prevention. Orthostatic hypotension occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain and it can cause low blood pressure. “The disease attacks myelin, the protective covering of the nerves, causing inflammation and often damaging the myelin,” writes the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Balance issues can start suddenly and there can be many possible causes. Balance problems due to high blood pressure can be managed by eating less salt (sodium), maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising. Here are 12 common and surprising conditions that can mess with your sense of balance…. Jamie Bogle, PhD, senior associate consultant at Mayo Clinic Arizona told Prevention that an acoustic neuroma is the perfect example of how a brain tumor can affect balance. The Mayo Clinic says Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is also known as herpes zoster oticus. One of the first signs of MS is loss of balance or numbness on one side of the body. Prevention says it’s common in diabetics, but can also be caused by infection, vitamin deficiencies, genetic disorders, alcoholism, or other trauma that inflicts nerve damage. Performance testing can then be used to assess individual gait difficulties. So they won’t be able to balance as well in the case of sudden disturbances,” says Kim Bywater, MS, a licensed occupational therapist and Balance Center coordinator at Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica, NY when talking to Prevention. What’s the Purpose of Pubic Hair? However, rather than targeting pain centers, migraine-associated vertigo attacks balance areas of the brain, causing instability. You can…, Cold sores are red, fluid-filled blisters that usually form near your mouth or other areas of your face. Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease, and the way it looks can vary from person by person and outbreak to outbreak. Gait, the process of walking and balance, are intricate movements. Foot and leg numbness can make it difficult to know where your feet are moving or whether they’re touching the floor. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention point to certain sedatives, antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications that have been linked to vision issues, drowsiness, dizziness, and to causing damage to the inner ear (our balance center). The acoustic neuroma is only one of many other tumors that can grow in different areas of the brain and also have an impact on balance and coordination. Its cause is unknown. Foot problems—ranging from bunions to corns and hammertoes to foot pain—can all mess with steady footing and increase the chances of a slip and fall. While nerve damage is almost always irreversible, catching it early can help treat the symptoms. A nerve conduction study and electromyogram can be used to evaluate for muscle problems and peripheral neuropathy. Balance problems can make you feel dizzy, as if the room is spinning, unsteady, or lightheaded. You doctor may also order blood tests to evaluate for causes of balance problems. Here's what you can do to lower your risk and help…, Researchers don’t fully understand all of the reasons why we have hair down there — but they do know that pubic hair serves a purpose. The most common inner ear problem that affects balance is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) which according to the Mayo Clinic, occurs when “calcium crystals in your inner ear — which help control your balance — are dislodged from their normal positions and move elsewhere in the inner ear.” This source notes that this is the most common cause of vertigo in adults. She is constantly striving to live a more active and healthy life, from eating healthy, exercising, and just spending more time outdoors. Even though balance erodes quite naturally and gradually with age, there are several health conditions that can set your equilibrium off kilter as they affect another bodily system that helps maintain proper stability. The source cites a study that tested 938 people who were 40 or older and 21-percent showed signs of orthostatic hypotension. They rely on proper functioning from several areas of the body, including the: Problems with any of these areas can lead to walking difficulties, falls, or injury if not addressed. They are one cause of falls and fall-related injuries, such as a hip fracture (broken hip).