Falls & Balance Disorders
Falls are a major cause of injury and hospitalization in older adults. Balance disorders may stem from neuropathy, vision or hearing loss, medication side effects, joint problems, or changes in blood pressure.1
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, we focus on identifying the underlying causes of unsteadiness and preventing future falls.
1. Vaishya, Raju, and Abhishek Vaish. “Falls in Older Adults Are Serious.” Indian Journal of Orthopaedics, vol. 54, no. 1, 2020, pp. 69–74.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Falls and balance problems often develop gradually. Patients may begin to notice changes such as:
- Feeling unsteady while walking
- Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up
- Difficulty rising from a chair or maintaining balance
- Frequent tripping, stumbling, or near-falls
During your evaluation, your geriatrician will take time to understand your symptoms and identify what may be contributing to your fall risk. This assessment may include:
- Reviewing your fall history and any past injuries
- Evaluating your gait, balance, and lower-body strength
- Checking blood pressure while lying and standing to detect orthostatic changes
- Reviewing medications that may cause dizziness, sedation, or instability
- Assessing vision, hearing, and signs of neuropathy
- Identifying potential hazards in your home environment
Diagnosis & Risk Assessment
A comprehensive fall-risk evaluation may involve:
- Functional tests, such as the Timed Up and Go (TUG), to measure mobility and balance
- Neuropathy and vestibular assessments to evaluate nerve and inner-ear function
- Cognitive testing to assess judgment, decision-making, and safety awareness
- Bone density testing for patients at high risk of fractures
These tools help your care team understand the underlying causes of imbalance and tailor an individualized treatment plan.
Treatment & Management
Management focuses on improving stability, treating medical contributors, and reducing environmental risks. Your treatment plan may include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen leg muscles, improve balance, and enhance coordination
- Home safety modifications, such as installing grab bars, improving lighting, or removing loose rugs
- Proper footwear and the use of assistive devices when needed
- Adjusting or deprescribing medications that contribute to dizziness or sedation
- Treating underlying issues, such as orthostatic hypotension or peripheral neuropathy
These interventions work together to reduce the risk of falls and maintain independence.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
Your geriatrician will reassess your fall risk regularly and adjust your care plan as needed. Follow-up may involve coordinating physical therapy, addressing vision or hearing concerns, and making additional medication changes to support safe mobility and prevent future falls.