Falling forward

Posted by Rob @robseverson, Sep 21, 2017

I just walked my dog and had the same issue: falling forward. Sometimes it seem like I can't stop, have fallen once and came close several times. When I stop I start to fall forward too. I am in a balance therapy program but would like to know if others have experience this. I seem to list forward a lot. Just got a pacemaker but that didn't seem to help

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Hello @robseverson! Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for posting.

I would like to introduce you to members @abramsm, @ryman, @hopeful33250 and @eflood- who are all members here on connect that have discussed balance issues at some point. Can anyone comment to @robseverson about having an issue falling forward? and if there was anything that helped you? Do any of you have a pacemaker that can comment on "falling forward"being an issue?

Rob, since you mention participating in a balance therapy program, I would think that it would be helpful for you to reach out to your therapist and ask for a suggestion on what you should do. Maybe there is something that can help aid you when you are walking? If you do end up contacting your PMR therapist, let us know what he or she suggests so future readers can benefit as well. (Thank you!!)

While we wait for others to join conversation I found some tips on Lifestyle and home remedies that you might find helpful- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20023004

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My PT is working on the falling forward thing with exercises. That is why I went to her
I'm looking for others with similar symptoms that may shed more light on this
It's not dizziness I'm not spinning, just holding myself up so I on't fall face down

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Hi @robseverson,

You may wish to read some of the messages in this discussion too, where fellow members have shared their experiences about falling, and possible connection to a pacemaker: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pacemaker-recipients/

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I've been googling on it and the best word I have found is "propulsion" . Info says it is a symptom of Parkinsons. I have a friend that did this early on before diagnosed with Parkinsons. Don't have any symptoms so don't think this is the problem
Thanks for your interest Kanaaz

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@jamienolson

Hello @robseverson! Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for posting.

I would like to introduce you to members @abramsm, @ryman, @hopeful33250 and @eflood- who are all members here on connect that have discussed balance issues at some point. Can anyone comment to @robseverson about having an issue falling forward? and if there was anything that helped you? Do any of you have a pacemaker that can comment on "falling forward"being an issue?

Rob, since you mention participating in a balance therapy program, I would think that it would be helpful for you to reach out to your therapist and ask for a suggestion on what you should do. Maybe there is something that can help aid you when you are walking? If you do end up contacting your PMR therapist, let us know what he or she suggests so future readers can benefit as well. (Thank you!!)

While we wait for others to join conversation I found some tips on Lifestyle and home remedies that you might find helpful- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20023004

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I am sorry I can't help much with this as my problem is being dizzy. Hopefully therapy will help. I wish you the best as I know how frustrating and limiting balance problems can be.

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Update: I'm working with a personal trainer who is focusing on my posture, walking habits, flexibility and strength. I'm optimistic she has the solutions

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what should I do? I have the same problem.

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@fr8ergear1

what should I do? I have the same problem.

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Hello, @fr8ergear1. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Have you seen a physician about your concerns?

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@jamienolson

Hello, @fr8ergear1. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Have you seen a physician about your concerns?

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I had this along with an unsteady gait staggering like I was drunk)...some misplaced thoughts. 5 neurologists couldn't offer a clue. A friend of mine, a 92-year-old retired doctor from NYC said, "you have NPH." I learned NPH was Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. The way it was proven was via a spinal tap (about as painful as having blood drawn.) Following the spinal tap, I was "normal." In April 2018 they operated on my brain at Yale. No more staggering, no more lost thoughts, perfect balance, no more falling forward. Without surgery, this can progress into Alzheimer's and other dementias so I advise you ask your neurologist about it. In the past, people often called it water on the brain. In reality, it is excessive spinal fluid putting pressure on places in the brain which cause the symptoms. The Surgeon installs a shunt with tubing leading to the stomach (amazing what they can do). They can adjust the amount of fluid from the outside of your head. I was out of hospital within 24 hours...no pain...felt great...of course, we all experience things differently.

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@charlottescot

I had this along with an unsteady gait staggering like I was drunk)...some misplaced thoughts. 5 neurologists couldn't offer a clue. A friend of mine, a 92-year-old retired doctor from NYC said, "you have NPH." I learned NPH was Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. The way it was proven was via a spinal tap (about as painful as having blood drawn.) Following the spinal tap, I was "normal." In April 2018 they operated on my brain at Yale. No more staggering, no more lost thoughts, perfect balance, no more falling forward. Without surgery, this can progress into Alzheimer's and other dementias so I advise you ask your neurologist about it. In the past, people often called it water on the brain. In reality, it is excessive spinal fluid putting pressure on places in the brain which cause the symptoms. The Surgeon installs a shunt with tubing leading to the stomach (amazing what they can do). They can adjust the amount of fluid from the outside of your head. I was out of hospital within 24 hours...no pain...felt great...of course, we all experience things differently.

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Your symptoms are my symptoms, to a T. I have copied this page and I plan on showing this to my family doctor. Maybe I can get some help, it will be blessing. I will let you know what happens

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