Balance is a complex activity that is controlled by our brain. The brain’s roll in balance is one of a processor similar to a computer’s internal processor. The brain must receive massive amounts of information from body sensors and instantly process it into a nice controlled muscle response that keeps the body balanced in any position or activity that we are doing.

The body sensors can be called body position sensors. These include ten inner ear sensors, vision, and billions of position sensors in the feet and ankle joint as well as in every muscle, tendon and ligament of the entire body.

How the brain can receive and make sense of all the electrical signals coming at it is incomprehensible. To make things even more amazing, the brain must continually process these signals multiple times every second or it loses its perception and orientation and a fall results.

So, what kind of problems can cause a fall? 1. Any thing that limits good brain function, like a stroke, TIA’s, drug interaction, suppressants, alcohol, head injuries, brain lesions or disorders, circulation impairments. 2 Any thing that limits good transmission of the nerve impulses to and from the brain like nerve compression, neck and back problems, MS, diabetes or neurological disorders. 3. Conditions that limit reactions such as arthritis, joint replacements, pain and any other orthopedic problem.

Balance is a complicated, entire body activity and that is why treatment for balance has not been very successful in the past. The advances in computerized balance testing have made it easier to systematically assess the many factors that can reduce balance. Once the impairments are identified, treatment is focused on the impairments that were identified in the testing. It is also important to perform intermittent retests to insure that progress is being achieved.

Today, treatment for balance is very successful. Horizon Balance and Dizziness Center can perform all balance and inner ear testing. We have helped thousands of people improve their balance and eliminate or reduce falls.

Living with a balance problem doesn’t have to be tolerated anymore.

Medicare and all insurances pay for this service.