Unsteadiness

Some people who complain of dizziness actually feel unsteady when standing and especially when walking. The medical term for this is "disequilibrium." It can be caused by anything that leads to unsteadiness or lack of balance, including poor vision, middle ear problems, arthritis, and foot problems. An older person with more than one of these problems is much more likely to experience disequilibrium. It can also be caused by problems with the nervous system, such as those often seen after a stroke. Unsteadiness is associated with difficulty walking and with falls.