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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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4

Inner-Ear Woes Linked to Many Elderly Tumbles

More than half of Americans over 60 have the disorder

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(Newser) – Researchers have shed light on the frequent, debilitating, and sometimes life-threatening falls among the elderly: many tumbles may be caused by inner-ear imbalances, Time reports. Some 35% of Americans over 40 have such vestibular dysfunction; the condition affects more than 50% of Americans 60 and older. An inner-ear imbalance multiplies the risk of falling by twelve times.

It’s not just a matter of bone weakness, poor sight, and gait trouble, previously considered the main factors. The study’s results show that regular screening for inner-ear issues in those over 50 could reduce falls and save lives. “Patients who are aware they're at a greater risk can take steps to minimize the chance of falling, such as physical therapy to improve balance or simply installing railings in places they tend to fall,” says the study’s head.

Many among the elderly have inner-ear imbalances, a study found.
Many among the elderly have inner-ear imbalances, a study found.   (Shutterstock)
Regular screenings for inner-ear imbalances could help save lives.
Regular screenings for inner-ear imbalances could help save lives.   (Shutterstock)
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marcurty
May 27, 09 8:11 AM CDT
I believe the risk of having this kind of dysfunction is bigger when the exercise or good food habits don´t take part in daily lives for ordinary people. Tha fact is that we are facing a new era and new deseases or symptons are being discovered during the years. The more healthy your life is the less health deseases you will have. Reply
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 27, 09 12:36 PM CDT
Hydrocephalus is another often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed condition facing older people and can cause the same symptoms. Reply
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Deebles
May 28, 09 5:54 PM CDT
Menier's disease is usually genetic and has nothing to do with fitness. My grandmother was diagnosed when she broke her hip, my father when he was young and fit and they thought it was a stroke, and my sister, who got it in her teens, has six or seven bouts a year. She broke a foot once and her forearm once before she realized that she could get it in her sleep and jump out of bed with a head full of dizzy. She has had years of physical therapy to train her head and eyes to work slowly and in unison. She scuba dives and runs marathons, but a bout will still put her to bed for days. She said it's like not moving while your head feels like it's spinning backward and upside down for days. Luckily, she now gets almost an aura like sensation before it hits. Good for pulling the car over. Reply
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dax
Jul 22, 09 5:28 PM CDT
Significant information for those caring for seniors. Falls account for a high occurrence of disability leading to premature death among the elderly. Reply
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