Dizziness, Balance Problems, Weakness, and Falls

If you have cancer, you might be at greater risk for dizziness, balance problems, and weakness. This can be caused by your cancer, treatment, and other health problems. You may feel weak, unsteady on your feet, or confused, which could make you more likely to fall.

Treatments are available, and there are steps you can take to help lower your risk of falls.

What makes you more likely to fall?

Many things can increase your risk of falling.

Age and medical history

You might be at greater risk of falling if you:

• Are more than 65 years old
• Have a history of falls
• Have vision problems
• Recently had surgery
• Were recently in the hospital
• Have weak or thin bones

Side effects of cancer or treatment

Some side effects of cancer or cancer treatment can also put you at greater risk for falls. This includes:

Changes in balance or movement

• Poor balance or coordination
• Dizziness or lightheadedness when you stand up
• Changes in how you walk (your gait)
• Muscle weakness, especially in your legs

Changes in energy, sleep, or thinking

• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Changes in sleep that make you feel tired or weak
• Confusion or memory problems

Health conditions and daily needs

• Cancer that has spread to your bones
• Numbness and tingling in your fingers or toes (peripheral neuropathy)
• Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
• Not getting enough to eat or drink
• Needing to get to the bathroom quickly or more often

After surgery, you’ll also feel tiredness and weakness that could cause you to fall. This gets better as you heal.

Certain medicines and chronic diseases

Some health problems can add to your risk for balance problems, weakness, and falls. These include Parkinson disease, ongoing muscle or joint pain, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

Certain medicines used for sleeping, anxiety, depression, pain, or high blood pressure can also put you at greater risk for falls. Older adults have a higher risk when on these medicines.

Taking many medicines at once can raise your risk even more. Drinking alcohol can also make falls more likely. Do not stop any medicine on your own. Ask your care team to review all your medicines and check which ones affect your balance.

Treatment for dizziness, balance problems, weakness, and falls

Treating your balance problems and weakness can often lower your risk for falls. The type of treatment you need will depend on the cause of these problems and how bad they are.

Physical and occupational therapy

Moving your body is one of the best ways to prevent falls. A physical therapist or a cancer exercise specialist can set up a safe plan for you. They can teach you strength, balance, and coordination exercises. They can also teach you how to use equipment to get around more safely, such as a wheelchair, walker, or cane.

An occupational therapist can help you adjust your daily routines to make them safer and easier. They can also teach you how to use equipment that helps with day-to-day tasks like meal preparation, shopping, and grooming.

If you have weak bones, cancer in your bones, or numbness in your feet, ask your care team before you start any of these programs. They may need to change your plan to keep you safe.

Support services

Home healthcare staff can help you find ways to make your home safer and lower your risk of falling. They can also help you find services in your community that might help with meals, transportation, and other needs.

Symptom management

Your healthcare team might also work with you to manage your cancer symptoms and other medical conditions. For example, they might have ways to treat common side effects like fatigue, confusion, and anemia. Treating these could help improve your balance and make you less likely to fall.

Changes to your medicine

Some medicines increase the risk of falls. Go over your list of medicines with your healthcare team, even the ones you buy from the store or use without a prescription. They may be able to change some of your medicines to lower your risk of falling.

It’s also a good idea to get all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. This can help keep track of ongoing medication changes.

Vitamin D levels

Low vitamin D can weaken your muscles and raise your fall risk. Ask your care team to check your level. If it is low, they may suggest a vitamin D supplement. Do not take high doses on your own. Too much may not help and could cause harm.

Lowering your risk of falls

It can be hard to recover from a fall, so it’s best to take steps to prevent one in the first place. It is especially important to be aware of slipping and tripping hazards around your home.

When you feel weak or unsteady on your feet, it’s a good idea to ask someone to stay with you. If you fall, are injured, or become confused, they can help you get the care you need.

To help lower your risk of falls:

When to call your care team

Call your healthcare team if you:

• Have a fall, even if you don’t think you got hurt
• Notice new weakness, numbness, or tingling
• Are confused, don’t know where you are, or become forgetful
• Feel weak, unsteady, or that a fall seems likely
• Are concerned you may have been hurt from a fall