Postural balance disorders

Abstract

ABSTRACT The corporal balance and orientation in space requires the integration of multiple systems: visual, vestibular, auditory, cerebellar, basal ganglia, somatic sensitivity and muscular system. As in all neurologic disorders, the medical examination is used to localize the problem in the nervous system, and the time course is then used to narrow down the possible etiologies and to determine the initial steps for clinical and laboratory evaluation of the patient. It is important to remember that along with ageing there is a natural decline in the visual, proprioceptive and vestibular functions.