Balance issues are quite common following an injury to the brain. People may feel unstable while walking or nervous when climbing stairs, or feel less confident walking around the house. For some the changes in balance are evident right away. Others, however, notice them more apparent as they return to their daily routines.
In the aftermath of a brain injury, balance may be impaired because the brain needs to take in information coming from eyes, the inner ear muscles, joints and nervous system in order to keep the body in a straight line and secure. If any one of these systems are disrupted one may experience unsteady, dizzy and weak or uncertain of their movement. NICE further explains the fact that coordination and balance issues can impact rehabilitation following an injury that is traumatising and may require specialised assessment and treatment.
How Brain Injury Affects Balance
Balance isn’t managed by a single component in the human body. It relies on communications between the brain and various body systems. Following a brain injury it is possible that this communication will slow down, become less accurate or more difficult to manage.
This can cause problems that include:
- Not feeling secure when standing or walking
- Feelings of spinning or dizziness
- Poor coordination
- Instability in one area of your body
- Slower reaction
- Difficulty turning or changing direction
- Fear of falling
- Uncertainty in the outdoors or on the stairs
Headway recommends that those who are experiencing problems with balance following a brain injury should seek expert guidance before attempting exercises for balance, since the appropriate support is contingent on the person’s condition and their safety requirements.
Common Reasons for Balance Problems After Brain Injury
1. Changes in Brain Control and Coordination
A brain injury could influence the way that the brain handles movements, posture coordination, posture, and the speed of reaction. This can cause simple tasks to seem more difficult, like standing up from sitting in a chair, crossing an area, or crossing over an obstacle.
The person might know what they’d like to do. However, their body may not be able to respond as rapidly as it did in the past.
2. Dizziness and Vestibular Problems
The vestibular system, which is located in the inner ear assists the brain to understand the body’s movement and head. After a brain injury certain people may experience dizziness, vertigo, or the feeling that the space is moving.
Rehabilitation is a way to assist the brain to adapt to changes in balance, however NHS guidance suggests that these exercises must be conducted with the guidance of a professional such as a physiotherapist, or an audiologist.
3. Vision and Sensory Changes
Balance is also influenced by the sense of sight and. If someone has blurred vision or double vision, decreased awareness on one side or an altered sensation in the legs and feet when walking or standing, they may feel uncomfortable.
The brain can be unable to determine the location of the body in space, particularly in crowded surroundings, dark or in uneven outdoor spaces.
4. Weakness, Stiffness, or Poor Posture
A brain injury can impact the strength of muscles, their posture, tone and coordination. One could lean towards one side or drag their feet and then lock the knee or be unable to distribute the weight evenly across both legs.
These physical modifications can make balance challenging and increase the risk of falls
5. Fatigue and Reduced Confidence
Fatigue is one of the main reasons balance may feel more difficult later during the daytime. When your body and brain are exhausted, walking, moving, concentrating and reacting rapidly may become more difficult.
The fear of falling could cause a person to be more cautious when moving. As time passes, this could decrease activity levels, which could cause more weakening and a loss of confidence.
When Should You Get Help?
Get professional assistance when balance issues are affecting walking, stairwells, everyday activities, confidence or your safety at home.
Medical attention is urgently needed after a head injury when anyone is suffering from serious symptoms like difficulty in being awake, seizures, difficulties with hearing or vision as well as numbness or weakness or issues with balance, walking and speaking or understanding. NHS advice suggests that you dial 999 when experiencing these symptoms.
How Neuro Physiotherapy Can Help Balance After Brain Injury
Neuro physiotherapy is a form of therapy that helps the body and brain reconnect. If balance issues arise after brain injuries, treatment could consist of:
- Retraining for balance
- Walking exercise
- Exercises for posture and strength
- Strategies for preventing falls
- When appropriate, exercises in the form of a vestibular.
- Transfer practices, like sitting-to-stand
- Stair practice
- Activities to build confidence
- Help for carers and family members
Rehab Therapist offers neurophysiotherapy in the comfort of your home to people suffering from illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, MS, and brain injuries. The goal of the program is to improve mobility, function and independence with individualised treatment plans within a comfortable setting.
Why Home-Based Balance Rehabilitation Works Well
Rehabilitation at home is particularly beneficial since balance problems are common in real-life routines. Someone may feel uncomfortable when waking up and going into the bathroom, changing into the kitchen, using the stairs, or even stepping out the front door.
If therapy takes place at the home of the patient, physiotherapists can evaluate the environment of the patient and perform the exercises which are crucial. Rehab Therapist provides at-home physical therapy for seniors and the neurologically challenged throughout the UK and provides support focusing on individualised rehabilitation within the comfort of one’s home.
Start Balance Rehabilitation at Home
The problems with balance after a brain injury can be frustrating However, they are able to be improved with the proper assessment, guided exercises and ongoing rehabilitation.
If you or someone close to you suffers from dizziness, unstable, falling risk or decreased confidence due to an injury to the brain, Rehab Therapist can provide specialist therapy for the brain at home.
Request a consultation at home with a Rehab Therapist right now to begin the journey toward safer movements, improved balance, and more confidence.
FAQs
What causes balance issues after brain injuries?
Balance issues can occur due to brain injuries which can alter the coordination, posture, strength perception, vision dizziness control, as well as the speed of reaction.
Does physiotherapy aid in balancing after a brain injury?
Yes. Neurophysiotherapy can help balance and walking, as well as strength posture, confidence and fall prevention following brain injuries.
Is dizziness common after brain injury?
Yes. There are people who experience dizziness or unsteadiness following brain injuries in particular when walking, turning or adjusting their position.
Is it possible to do balance rehabilitation at home?
Yes. Balance therapy at home lets therapy concentrate on the real-world tasks, such as walking in the house with stairs and standing from a chair and moving with ease throughout the house.
How can I schedule balance therapy for my brain after a stroke?
Contact Rehab Therapist to arrange an at-home assessment and discuss the individualised neuro physiotherapy program.
