Balance and lightheadedness

Hello @mjfelder1 and welcome to Mayo Connect's discussion on Parkinson's Disease (PD). A diagnosis of PD can be difficult to accept and especially problematic when the typical symptoms of PD are not evident. I can understand your concern that the meds that have been prescribed have not helped him.

If you are comfortable sharing more, can you explain what symptoms led the doctor to diagnose your husband with PD? For example, was he having numbness, tingling, problems walking or using his hands, were his symptoms one-sided?

When your husband was diagnosed was he seeing a movement disorder specialist? This is a neurologist who has had special training in diagnosing and treating disorders like PD.

I look forward to hearing from you again.

Yes, he has seen a movement disorder Dr. at the University of Iowa. He has no tremors but lightheadedness when standing or shuffling walk and balance issues. He has lost 30 lbs. since December and is very weak! He had a cognitive thinking test and passed that. Help!

@mjfelder1 Did the doctor say why he thought your husband has PD? Are there other symptoms that were discussed or other tests that were done?

@mjfelder1
I was thinking about your husband's symptoms of balance and shuffling. Has he worked with a physical therapist who specializes in PD? Is your husband in any type of exercise class for PD?

There are many PD exercise programs including boxing, the Y will often have cycling for PD (using stationary exercise bikes) as well as many other programs. If exercise and physical therapy have not been tried, please try to get a referral for your husband. Most of us with PD have found exercise to be as helpful (if not more helpful) than using meds alone.