Jul 14, 2009 5:48 pm US/Eastern
Accidental Falls Can Be Deadly
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Accidental falls are a leading cause of death in the elderly, killing about 13,000 seniors every year.
CBS
Accidental falls are a leading cause of death in the elderly, killing about 13,000 seniors every year.
Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn says one of the first steps in preventing dangerous falls is to have your balance tested.
New research out of Johns Hopkins shows balance problems are quite common and don't just affect the elderly.
It sounds simple, but for Joan Finn, maintaining balance is a struggle.
"I started having headaches and when I would walk, I would veer to the right and I thought, `That's not right. I've been walking like I've been drinking,'" she said.
Alcohol wasn't Joan's problem; a tumor in her ear was. But even after her doctor removed it, Joan still wasn't the same.
"The balance is still terrible. I still veer to the right and to the left and it's scary sometimes," she said.
"We found that 35% of people have evidence of what we call vestibular dysfunction," said Dr. Yuri Agrawal.
The vestibular organs of the inner ear provide the brain with information about changes in head movement. When the vestibular system doesn't function properly, patients experience dizziness, vertigo or imbalance, increasing their risk of a dangerous fall.
Dr. Agrawal led a recent study of vestibular dysfunction and determined about a third of those at risk are unaware, which is why she recommends every person over the age of 40 have a balance test.
The good news is that there is hope for patients who have vestibular dysfunction. Balance exercises that train the brain to compensate for the deficits.
Finn practices her walking exercises daily and even though she still has trouble, she knows it's a step in the right direction.
This latest study also found that diabetics are 70% more likely to suffer from vestibular problems.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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