Falling for no apparent reason: Any ideas?

Posted by callalily74 @callalily74, Aug 11, 2016

I'm 75, active, female, and constantly falling for seemingly no reason. I just fall! Three times already this week. In one fall, I split my ear and required 8 stitches. No dizziness, etc.

I need falling prevention classes in Seacoast NH. I am getting very worried that one of these falls will result in serious injury. Perhaps I need some kind of testing. Tomorrow, I'm going to an ENT doctor who was referred to me by a doctor at the Urgent Care Clinic who said my ear was infected. The ENT receptionist said maybe he'll refer me to an audiologist or optometrist to do balance, inner ear testing, etc. Does that sound about right to anybody who knows what I'm talking about. Remember, no lightheadedness or dizziness, etc. I take several medications for depression, anxiety, cholesterol, etc, but my mind does not feel foggy or cloudy.

Please help me find an appropriate doctor specializing in this issue. Or a suitable class or program. I am getting scared now. It happens too much. I only was really hurt once so far when I split my ear when I fell, but I know it can happen any time now and maybe disable me, or worse.

Please help me. I'll be here to see any posts all day today and am free to answer any questions you may have.

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lasks | @lasks | 3 days ago

When I saw a neurologist for repeated falls he diagnosed cerebellar ataxia. Being treated with immunosuppressants and am improving.

mariannepp | @mariannepp | 2 days ago

I am very interested in replies you get. I also fall for no apparent reason. Well, except it's often outside and my toe catches on 'nothing'. Whatever it is that I trip on is NOTHING to most people. I've even fallen in an airport -walking on very smooth floors. How does that happen? I'm doing PT training, but it hasn't seemed to help yet. I have osteopenia, so it's a very dangerous position to be in. I haven't gotten to a neurologist yet. I was told to find one who specializes on balance. How does one fine a neurologist who specializes on balance? I'm in the south Austin area. Any ideas?

kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | 1 day ago

I think that the first thing that I would do, and have, is have a review of all the medication that you are on. Sometimes over time medication effects/side effects change. I would not go to an ENT...would head straight to neurology. If you have no symptoms ie unbalance, equilibrium being of dizziness and just fall.......ENT will not help! (that as been my experience). Then seek a large teaching facility to help with differential diagonoses with experienced team of physicians.