wife has balance problem

@randypixie
Hi kids,
I’ve had balance problems for over 50 years due to Epilepsy and its seizures and medications and coma damage. I use to fall a minimum of twice a day and up to so many times I lost track. My Neurologist asked how often I fell and said at least a thousand plus times a year. He sent me to the physical therapy and it did help. I also hired a brilliant private trainer at the gym who was physiologist. She really helped me. Tai Chi also can help with balance issues. Also I found water therapy helpful for strengthening muscles. Made the exercises easier. Have you seen a otolaryngologist? Below is some information from Mayo Clinic,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/balance-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20350474
Best of luck,

Jake

There are many specific exercises for balance problems. Has she ever gone to PT and have them help with balance? Lori Renee

Jake, thanks so much for your reply, We have just started going to physical therapy, (that's why I am late in responding, we had and appointment, ha) also glad you stuck with it and found some things that are helping. that's encouraging to me. We had herd about Tai Chi, actually bought a Tai Chi dvd, we may try it again, we are feeling better about the possible improvement from physical therapy. I never herd of a Otolaryngologist. Had to goggle it. We are , at present, considering a trip to Mayo. Did you receive better information from the Otolaryngologist vs neurologist? Also thanks for the link will check it out
Randy & Pixie

Lori, thanks for your response, I am late in responding to your reply because we were at our second physical therapy appointment,
so you were spot on. Where were you a yr ago (Ha!) I feel like I'm a little slow. We are considering coming to Mayo in Minnesota. Any suggestions on who to see?

I went to pt for other problems and he noticed my balance issues. I think Mayo will get to the bottom of your problems. Wise choice!!!
Jake

I am very glad about the Physical Therapy! It will help, for sure. I have never been to Mayo, so I cannot give advice on that one. Keep me posted, and good luck! Lori Renee

@randypixie @jakedduck1
Yes, an otolaryngologist is a good idea. I recently saw a neuro-otolaryngologist (specially trained in dizziness, balance problems, etc.) Mayo would be a good place to go, I'm sure.

Hi Randy, was most interested in wife's problem with balance. I have difficulty with balance reflected in my walking. Let me try t describee my recent history. Some 4 years ago I had prostate cancer
. This was successfully fixed with radiotherapy and hormone treatment. This was no picnic but I gradually recovered walking ok. Then I fell a couple of times but recovered from that but had difficulty striding out., and could not confidently go up and down stairs My doctors told me I must exercise.. This has got progressively worse. Only my pride stops me from the zimmer .my doc had me tested for Parkinson which proved negative. However, I had a brain scan and this reveals that the blood supply to that part of my brain is restricted. This, my consultant, says is the cause of my balance problem. He says the only thing that might help is to take aspirin but this has its own dangers. That is where I am now. Your problem is so similar to mine I had to share with you.I have omitted many details in cutting to the chase. Please get in touch if I can be of some help. I would appreciate any info you come across

@randypixie - sorry to hear about your wife's balance problems. Understandable you feel at a loss with 2 years of this problem, many tests by doctors, and no diagnosis. Sounds like @doncampbell can relate to some of what she has experienced.

I think that both @johnbishop and also @jenniferhunter could tell you about their experiences at Mayo Clinic and may have some thoughts about what your wife has gone through.

@doncampbell - you mentioned a brain scan revealing that the blood supply to a part of your brain is restricted, which your consultant says is the cause of your balance problem. You talked about being encouraged to exercise and that it was also suggested to take aspirin, which you said might have its own dangers. How are you considering proceeding at this point?

@randypixie – I am fortunate that my primary is in one of the local Mayo Family Health Clinics in a small town close to the Rochester Mayo Clinic Campus. I have had multiple experiences where my primary care doctor has referred me to a specialist at Rochester Mayo Clinic, What I have experienced is how well the different specialties work together to come up with a diagnosis by being patient centered.

I know it must be frustrating not having a diagnosis. If it is an option for you, I think Mayo Clinic Rochester would be an excellent choice. 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.

Have you discussed the possibility of getting a referral from your wife's doctors?