Balance Problems

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Diagnosis & Tests

Physical Assessment

If a person has balance problems, their healthcare professional will review their medical history and do a physical exam to find the cause of the problem. They will:

  • Evaluate walking to look for problems
  • Test balance
  • Ask about past falls and what happened before and during the fall
  • Ask about symptoms, including:
  • When symptoms started and how long each episode lasts
  • How severe the symptoms are
  • How often symptoms occur
  • Describe the symptoms (Vertigo, dizziness, pain, weakness, ringing in the ears, a feeling of fullness in the ears, or trouble moving)
  • Ask about prescription and over-the-counter medicines
  • Ask a caregiver or another person what they have noticed
  • Check your vision and hearing

Other Tests

Your healthcare provider may order additional tests to help find the cause of balance problems. These tests may include:

  • Dix-Hallpike test. This test uses head and body movements to check for vertigo or dizziness.
  • Blood pressure tests. Blood pressure may be checked while lying down, sitting, and standing, or with a tilt table. You may be asked to wear a 24-hour blood pressure monitor.
  • Blood tests. These tests check for low blood sugar or anemia (low red blood cell counts).
  • Electrocardiogram or echocardiogram. These tests look for heart problems.
  • Valsalva maneuver. This test uses breathing to check how part of the nervous system is working.

In rare cases, your healthcare provider may order imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT or CAT scan). These tests can help find problems in the inner ear or brain.

Specialist Evaluation

Your healthcare provider may recommend seeing a specialist based on the possible cause of balance problems:

  • Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for ear problems
  • Cardiologist for heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat
  • Neurologist for brain disease or nerve damage
  • Physical therapist for arthritis, weakness (deconditioning), or walking (gait) problems
  • Ophthalmologist for vision problems

 

Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026 
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers 

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