What are the key indicators for considering a balance disorder in a patient with dizziness?

For a patient presenting with dizziness, key indicators that suggest considering a balance disorder include:

• Unstable gait: This is a significant indicator, particularly when observed in older adults (Jahn et al., 2015).
• Persistent unsteadiness: Patients may report ongoing feelings of being unsteady (Chandrasekhar, 2013).
• Specific types of vertigo: The nature of the dizziness, such as true spinning vertigo, can also be a clue (Chandrasekhar, 2013).

These symptoms warrant further assessment for a potential balance disorder and may indicate the need for specialist referral, aligning with the recognition and referral pathways for suspected neurological conditions ¹.