Get Healthy @ the Library

Introduction to Balance Concerns

A Healthy Balance (PDF)
American Academy of Otolaryngology - A fact sheet listing steps seniors can take to minimize falls and other balance issues caused by dizziness. Includes a little information on shoes.

Aging, Balance, and Dizziness
The Vestibular Disorders Association - A discussion of aging, balance and dizziness.

Dizziness
Mayo Clinic- An overview that includes definition, symptoms, causes, complications, tests and diagnosis, treatments and drugs, lifestyle and home remedies, as well as preparing for your appointment.

Causes of Dizziness, Vertigo, Disequilibrium
The Vestibular Disorders Association - A description of the differences between dizziness, vertigo and disequilibrium.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Mayo Clinic - This comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment of intense dizziness episodes.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
The Vestibular Disorders Association - A brief description which includes diagnostic tests and particle-repositioning maneuvers.

Meniere’s Disease
Mayo Clinic- An overview of this disease which gives definition, symptoms, causes, complications, preparing for your appointment, tests and diagnosis, treatments and drugs, lifestyle and home remedies, and coping and support.

Statistics
The Vestibular Disorders Association - This link provides information on how many people are affected by dizziness and vestibular disorders, how these conditions affect quality of life and how they impact health care systems.

Diagram of the Inner Ear
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Glossary
The Vestibular Disorders Association - This site provides a list of terms related to balance and inner ear conditions.

Dizziness
American Geriatrics Society - This site provides a good discussion of the differences between vertigo, lightheadedness, near-fainting and unsteadiness. Diagnosis and treatment are also covered.

Balance Disorders
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders - A comprehensive overview that includes pictures and diagrams as well as questions to answer which will help your doctor make a diagnosis.

Human Balance System (PDF)
The Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) - This articles discusses balance, sensory input, and motor output.  There are charts and a description of a coordinated balance system.

Vestibular Disorders: An Overview (PDF)
The Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) - Descriptions of symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and resources.

Hip Fractures among Older Adults
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Over 90% of hip fractures are caused by falling. This discussion looks at outcomes for those with hip fractures, who is at risk and prevention strategies.

Fall Prevention: Insight into Preventing Injuries Caused by Falls
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Amongst the information provided are descriptions of why falls are more likely in senior years and how to prevent them, how to recover from an injury caused by a fall, and how medications affect sensory functions.

Fall prevention: 6 Tips to Prevent Falls
Mayo Clinic - Tips for appointment with your doctor, sensible shoes, and assistive devices.

Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults (PDF)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - A checklist that goes through your house to help you prevent falls. Also available in Spanish and Chinese.

Falls
Medline Plus - Comprehensive portal about falls.

Falls and Older Adults
NIH Senior Health - Overview of falls and fall prevention.

Falls in Nursing Homes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - As many as 3 out of 4 nursing home residents fall each year. This article discusses the most common causes, how serious the falls are, and preventative measures.

*Information provided in these databases and websites should not be viewed as a means for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.