What causes balance problems in kids?
Common causes of balance problems in children range from ear infections, severe headaches, and certain medications to more serious neurological disorders, head or neck injuries, and genetic conditions.
What causes balance and equilibrium problems?
Causes of balance problems include medications, ear infection, a head injury, or anything else that affects the inner ear or brain. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness when you stand up too quickly.
What neurological disorders cause balance problems in toddlers?
Vestibular disorders, cerebellar ataxia and developmental coordination disorder (also called dyspraxia) are three broad and common types of disorders that cause balance and coordination problems in children.
Why does my 6 year old child keep falling over?
It’s normal for children to fall frequently as they are learning to walk. In the early stages of walking/running, a child is learning to plan movements, find their balance and explore new-found independence.
Can a neurologist treat balance problems?
Our neurologists and neurosurgeons diagnose and treat balance dysfunction that is the result of neurologic disorders or neurologic impairment. While the vast majority of balance problems are caused by problems with the inner ear, there may be neurological causes for balance disorders which require neurological care.
How do you fix equilibrium problems?
Your treatment may include:
- Balance retraining exercises (vestibular rehabilitation). Therapists trained in balance problems design a customized program of balance retraining and exercises.
- Positioning procedures.
- Diet and lifestyle changes.
- Medications.
- Surgery.
Why is my toddler so wobbly?
Toddlers grow at a rapid rate, and shoes that fit one day may not fit the next. If the toddler’s shoes are too small, he can suddenly start tripping, falling, or having other issues walking or running about. If a toddler has had a sudden growth spurt, he will need to find a new center of balance.
What are the signs and symptoms of balance disorders in children?
In general, though, children with balance disorders have symptoms of disequilibrium — an unsteady, “woozy” feeling that makes it hard to stand up, walk, turn corners, or climb the stairs without falling, bumping into things, stumbling, or tripping. They also might walk with their legs too far apart or be unable to walk without staggering.
What is the difference between disequilibrium and equilibrium in child development?
Equilibrium vs. Disequilibrium. These phases of equilibrium and disequilibrium begin at birth and extend far into the teen years. Infants often cycle between these periods of calm and disorder weekly. As children reach the age of 18 months, the stages of development cycle less frequently and change about every six months.
Can balance issues affect my child’s hearing?
Balance issues also can impact hearing. Sounds might seem muffled, especially amid background noise. Kids might also have bothersome, distracting ear problems like ear pain, pressure or “fullness”in the ears, and tinnitus (ringing or other sounds like whirring, humming, or buzzing).
What are balance problems and why do they matter?
Balance problems can make it hard to remember things, concentrate, pay attention, and follow directions. Kids might not be able to hear the teacher or focus their eyes on the chalkboard or their books. And they might become frustrated in gym class and with sports.