Having trouble keeping your balance?

@peggi - I think I would be confused also. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what is causing your symptoms. I do think that Mayo Clinic would be a good option with their patient centered care. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, contact one of the appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

I've been fortunate to be a Mayo Clinic Rochester patient for many years and have been through several different health issues that they have been able to help me and I can attest that the doctors at Mayo really do care about helping their patients find a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Their model of care is one of the best if not the best.

History of Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic Model of Care
-- http://history.mayoclinic.org/toolkit/mayo-clinic-model-of-care.php

Do you think your neurologist would give you a referral? I don't think it's necessary for an appointment but it may help.

Hi everyone .... I usually hang out at the Anxiety and Depression Board, but I felt this was a more appropriate place for my question. I take 2 meds. which can cause balance problems. Also, about a year ago, I started to really have to be careful, or I'd lose my balance and fall. Also, when I told my doctor that I had taken a nasty fall about the same time, and had a concussion .... he told me I was "mighty lucky it wasn't worse." Since then, I really have to be careful. I've gotten myself one of the Greatcall things for around my neck in case I fall and really hurt myself. Could a fall like this, on concrete, have done something in my head to cause the increase in balance problems? Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
abby

Hi @amberpep - you may have noticed I moved your post to this discussion that @johnbishop started called "Having trouble keeping your balance" so that you can connect with others who have had similar experiences. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to get to your post.

I'm thinking perhaps members like @johnbishop @peggi @sapphira @bookysue @imallears @dorisena @helenr and others in this discussion may have some thoughts on the dizziness and balance problems you've experienced and may have some thoughts on whether your concussion from a fall may have contributed to the balance challenges.

Has your doctor weighed in on whether the fall on concrete, hitting your head, may have contributed to balance problems, amberpep? If so, what did your doctor say about that?

Hi - I see that I'm listed with regard to balance problems,but I don't have them and they have never been an issue for me. I know that with aging, it does become a problem for most people, but I'm 88 yrs. now and just last week walked about 40 blocks in NYC - from the Met. Museum of Art to my apartment - no I don't have balance issues. I've noted that when you enlist in Physical Therapy, the first thing they do is test for balance since that is a prime concern for the elderly. Exercise can be helpful , proper shoes and if all else fails, use of a cane to assist walking.

Hi Abby @amberpep – I'm not sure any of us here on Connect can say whether or not a fall on concrete increased the chance of falling again. I have no medical background or training but I think a doctor would have to run some tests (MRI, etc) to determine if the fall caused an injury to your brain which could increase the chance of falling.

Balance Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury
-- https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/Balance-Problems-After-Traumatic-Brain-Injury

I think it's a great idea to get one of the devices you wear around your neck for emergencies and provide assistance if you do fall. Have you tried any balance exercises or therapy to help with your balance?

Hi, @amberpep . You said you had a bad fall recently and got a concussion. Did a doctor confirm the concussion and give you any specific instructions? I, too, can get dizzy when I’m out walking. But I make sure I take precautions: wearing shoes with good soles, using a cane when necessary, and just staying home if the weather isn’t great. I’d like to walk in an indoor mall, but there aren’t any here. Have you been on the two medications for awhile? Did they cause any problems before the fall? You might want to ask your doctor about a re-evaluation of your balance or maybe a referral to physical therapy.

@amberpep
Hi,

I don’t have any balance issues or get dizzy but my gym classes incorporate balance exercises into all the classes. If we are able to keep our core strong and exercise regularly chances are we won’t suffer any falls. As for falling on the concrete and hitting your head. The only thing I know is if there was damage to the vestibular system that could throw your balance off. Whether this is temporary or permanent only a doctor could give you that answer.
I too am careful even though my balance is great. Not taking any unnecessary chances. The key to good balance is strength in your core. I am a firm believer in this. The only way to keep your core strong is to exercise routinely and faithfully. And everyone, please stretch those limbs every single day so you can have more flexibility. Once you start a routine, it will be like brushing your teeth and you won’t forget to do it....and if you do forget you’ll miss it and feel it.

FL Mary
Happy Healthy New Year

@amberpep I do like what FL Mary said and if it is your vestibular system you may want to contact a ENT Dr for his advice . I had dizziness and was sent to a specialist to have testing done then ear exercises this all cleared up my dizziness . Good luck let us know how you are doing . Healthy New Year

Tried them. Good balance exercises.

Golly, I just discovered some of these notes ... you can tell I have not been here for awhile. Sort of "hibernating" I guess.
Yes, I was taking Klonopin for several weeks, maybe even over a month, and I began taking strange falls.... for no apparent reason. I really took some dandies, but of course, didn't tell my kids, for fear they'd think Mom had some dreadful disease. (I was afraid of that too) I would fall over a bookshelf, I broke glass lamps, fell into a full laundry basket .... I'd just, for no apparent reason, lose my balance.
So, just in curiosity, I looked up several of the newer meds I was on and there at the very bottom of the list of possible side effects was "in older people can cause falls." HALELUIA! I called my doctor right away, he called me back and said, "yes, he looked in his PDR and it's the very last thing listed. I stopped the med. and I have not fallen since. I am so appreciative of the reliable info. I can get from the Mayo websites .... it's the first place I turn to for any medical information.
Barb (abby - the name I wish I had!!!!!)