Konrad H R, Girardi M, Helfert R
Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield 62794-9662, USA.
Laryngoscope. 1999 Sep;109(9):1454-60. doi: 10.1097/00005537-199909000-00019.
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To provide a basic science and clinical review of normal balance changes with age, and to provide a current review for the evaluation and treatment of elderly patients with balance disorders. As we age, we lose balance function through loss of sensory elements, the ability to integrate information and issue motor commands, and because we lose musculoskeletal function. Diseases common in aging populations lead to further deterioration in balance function in some patients. Treatment of balance dysfunction in aging populations is based on the knowledge of normal aging processes and on an evaluation of the individual's balance loss and remaining balance elements. Prevention and rehabilitation play a major role in treatment; medical and surgical therapy also have a place.
Review of literature, personal research and observations.
Although older patients may be subject to most of the common balance disorders of younger patients, they have more problems with chronic disequilibrium and falls. Prevention and rehabilitation play an important role in treating these patients.
目的/假设：对正常平衡随年龄变化进行基础科学与临床综述，并对老年平衡障碍患者的评估与治疗进行当前综述。随着年龄增长，我们会因感觉元件丧失、整合信息并发出运动指令的能力丧失以及肌肉骨骼功能丧失而失去平衡功能。老年人群中常见的疾病会导致部分患者平衡功能进一步恶化。老年人群平衡功能障碍的治疗基于对正常衰老过程的了解以及对个体平衡丧失和剩余平衡要素的评估。预防和康复在治疗中起主要作用；医学和手术治疗也有一席之地。
文献综述、个人研究与观察。
尽管老年患者可能会出现大多数年轻患者常见的平衡障碍，但他们在慢性失衡和跌倒方面存在更多问题。预防和康复在治疗这些患者中起着重要作用。
