US Medical Term · symptoms
Balance Problems
Problemas de equilibrio
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Balance Problems |
| Spanish (Español) | Problemas de equilibrio |
| Chinese (中文) | 平衡問題 |
| Korean (한국어) | 균형 문제 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Mất thăng bằng |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Problema sa balanse |
| Portuguese (Português) | Problemas de equilíbrio |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ปัญหาการทรงตัว |
| Japanese (日本語) | バランス障害 |
What it means
Balance problems occur when you have difficulty maintaining your body's equilibrium while standing, walking, or moving. You may feel unsteady, wobbly, or as though you might fall. The balance system depends on the inner ear, vision, and the nervous system working together. Causes include inner ear disorders such as BPPV and Meniere's disease, peripheral neuropathy, medication side effects, low blood pressure, head injuries, and neurological conditions including Parkinson's disease and stroke. Sudden balance loss with dizziness, slurred speech, or weakness needs emergency evaluation — call 911. Recurrent balance problems raise fall risk; tell your doctor so they can assess the cause and recommend physical therapy.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I feel very unsteady when I walk and I have almost fallen several times this week.
Me siento muy inestable cuando camino y casi me he caído varias veces esta semana.
My balance has gotten so bad that I need to hold onto walls and furniture to get around.
Mi equilibrio ha empeorado tanto que necesito apoyarme en las paredes y los muebles para moverme.
I suddenly lost my balance and fell to one side while I was standing still.
De repente perdí el equilibrio y me caí hacia un lado mientras estaba parado quieto.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R42 Dizziness and giddinessRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026