Most people acknowledge a balance problem only after they experience a fall. Understanding potential signs of balance problems will help keep you from becoming a statistic. If you identify with 1 or more of following statements you may have a balance problem. If you find 4 or more to be true for you, you are statistically at higher risk for falling.
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I have a tendency to touch walls/furniture when I walk around my house.
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I feel unsteady when I need to got to the bathroom at night.
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I feel imbalanced when I shower and/or wash my hair, especially when I close my eyes.
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I feel I need to look down all the time to keep my balance..
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I feel I must walk much slower than my normal speed.
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I avoid waking on uneven surfaces like grass, sand or ramps.
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I have a lot of trouble negotiating curbs or stairs.
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I feel my body becoming very tense when I am in a standing position or while walking
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I feel uncomfortable about my balance when I am in crowds, walking down grocery store aisles, or when getting on to an escalator.
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I feel a sense of imbalance after moving my head when I am standing.
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I avoid moving my head when I am standing or walking.
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I am embarrassed at times, and feel I look like I am “drunk”.
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I am afraid to be home alone.
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I feel an overall decreased sense of self-confidence.
Shella LoBianco, MSPT is a Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation Therapist with over 18 years of experience helping patients with neurological and vestibular/balance disorders. She holds an advanced certification of competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation and Vestibular Function Test Interpretation from Emory University’s Department of Rehabilitation. Please feel free to call Advance Physical Therapy to speak further with Shella, or to schedule an evaluation for your balance concerns. (919) 932-7266.
