Multifactorial/Disequilibrium of Aging
In order to maintain good balance, three systems are needed: vision, joint position sense and inner ear. If one or more of those are weakened by age or injury, patients can have multifactorial imbalance.
Common scenarios include peripheral neuropathy, cataracts, macular degeneration, deconditioning, spinal disease, arthritis, wear and tear of the inner ear system, hearing loss and medications.
Treatment is mostly focused on physical therapy to improve balance, confidence and safety. It is also important to identify the weaknesses in the system to ensure all preventive measures possible are being used to help reduce progression. For example: good blood sugar control in diabetes-related neuropathy or cataracts surgery to improve vision.