Doctors' Notes: Balance

Doctors' Notes: Balance

From What's Up Docs? by BBC Radio 4

April 28, 2026 · 22 min · Episode 137

About this episode

The episode discusses balance issues, the effects of alcohol, and the importance of seeking medical advice for balance problems.

Chris and Xand continue their conversation with physiotherapist and vestibular rehabilitation specialist, Maggie Stacey. They explore why alcohol can make us unsteady, how our sense of balance develops and changes as we age, and why falls pose such a major health risk for older adults. They also hear from their guest about the balance problems she most often sees in the clinic, and the warning signs that it might be time to seek medical advice. If you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any other topic covered on the podcast, you email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp on 08000 665 123. Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken Guest: Maggie Stacey Producer: Maia Miller-Lewis Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar Editor: Jo Rowntree Researcher: Grace Revill Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable Visuals Producer: Leon Gower Digital Lead: Richard Berry Composer: Phoebe McFarlane Sound Design: Ruth Rainey At the BBC: Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris van Tulleken, Xand van Tulleken

Guest: Maggie Stacey

Topics covered

  • balance
  • health risks
  • physiotherapy
  • aging
  • vestibular rehabilitation
  • alcohol effects

Keywords

  • balance
  • physiotherapist
  • vestibular rehabilitation
  • falls
  • health risks
  • aging
  • alcohol

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, Loftus Media

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