When intrinsic causes interact with extrinsic causes of instability, what is the result?

When intrinsic causes interact with extrinsic causes of instability, what is the result?

• A. Increased falls
• B. Decreased falls
• C. No change
• D. Improved balance

Answer: (A)

Intrinsic instability from internal deficits, like weakness or sensory/vestibular impairment, becomes much harder to manage when external hazards are present. Extrinsic causes—things like slippery floors, poor lighting, clutter, or medications that sedate—create situations that challenge balance. When both types of factors coexist, the body's compromised systems can’t adequately compensate for external perturbations, so even everyday activities may lead to a loss of balance. That combination raises the chance of a fall far more than experiencing either factor alone, resulting in increased falls.

Intrinsic instability from internal deficits, like weakness or sensory/vestibular impairment, becomes much harder to manage when external hazards are present. Extrinsic causes—things like slippery floors, poor lighting, clutter, or medications that sedate—create situations that challenge balance. When both types of factors coexist, the body's compromised systems can’t adequately compensate for external perturbations, so even everyday activities may lead to a loss of balance. That combination raises the chance of a fall far more than experiencing either factor alone, resulting in increased falls.