7. Difficulty in Coordination or Balance – A Common Pitfall of Small Vessel Disease
The impacts of Small Vessel Disease aren’t just restricted to cognitive changes or physical weakness; it also has significant effects on an individual’s coordination and balance. Patients with SVD often experience a difficulty in executing tasks that require good hand-eye coordination and maintaining their equilibrium, particularly while walking.
The root cause of these issues lies in the areas of the brain responsible for ensuring smooth and coordinated movement. These regions rely heavily on a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, delivered through the tiny blood vessels scattered throughout the brain. However, SVD compromises the health and functioning of these small vessels, affecting their ability to sustain the brain regions they serve.
Early signs of this symptom could be as subtle as clumsiness or frequently dropping items. As the disease progresses, it could escalate to stumbling or falling often. It may even cause difficulties in performing tasks that require fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt or using utensils.
In terms of balance, individuals might experience vertigo, unsteadiness while walking, or needing additional support to maintain their balance. These symptoms might be more noticeable when the individual is walking on uneven surfaces, navigating through crowds, or even when making sharp turns. (7)
