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The Facts about Falls Risk.... Risk 1 Impaired Balance Balance is controlled by the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is maintained by the interaction of the inner ear (vestibular system), the nerve endings in our joints (sensory system), and our vision. If we have a problem with any of these systems, we are at risk for falls. If one of the balance systems is impaired, we must rely more heavily on the other systems. For example: If a person is blind, he must depend on his sense of touch and his inner ear to maintain his balance and prevent falls. Likewise, if a person has a loss of sensation in his feet, he may not initially feel a sudden change in the surface of the ground as he walks. He would then rely on his inner ear and his vision to determine if he is losing his balance.
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