1. < Brain & Nervous System

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.

socrates50 | @socrates50 | Feb 3, 2022
In reply to @xottawan "You need to get to a specialist ASAP. If you don't remember having any faintness or..." + (show)
@xottawan

You need to get to a specialist ASAP. If you don't remember having any faintness or dizziness before falling, you might be having loss of memory going back to just before it happens (retrograde amnesia). There might be a cardiac cause that needs study. Heart problems can cause loss of consciousness with NO warning. A good neurologist might be a place to start. Find a doctor who will listen to your story and take a thorough history.

Jump to this post

i have same problem no warning just fall not conscious until I hit the ground now more than 32 since 2008.
I have had 2 knees replaced and ligaments repaired. Neurologist says Drop Attack but Doctor said
Vascovagal syncope. No treatment or MRI nothing still fall.
The scary thing is I stepped off grass onto beach facing west when I woke up I was 6 feet facing north south on my back on the sand. I do not always travel mostly just go straight down sometimes wake enough time to put my hands in front of my face. Twice nearly run over so it is important I find out WHY?
Sometimes I do faint so add all falls now 74 and I have fainted since i was !!years old no sport.

REPLY
1 reply
xottawan | @xottawan | Feb 4, 2022

As I understand it, you lose consciousness without any warning. That sounds less like vasovagal syncope and more like “drop attacks” or cardiac syncope due to irregular heartbeat. Holter monitoring might be indicated, but in any case you should be evaluated by a Cardiologist.

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 4, 2022
In reply to @bhoff "Wow, I'm a 59 yo female. I have had vertigo and dizziness in the past post..." + (show)
@bhoff

Wow, I'm a 59 yo female. I have had vertigo and dizziness in the past post stroke in Nov 2017. However, in the last couple months I've fallen 3 times for no apparent reason. I'm in better shape than I've been in a long time. I have lost 80 lbs in the last year and have undergone lots of bloodwork and I've never had a cholesterol problem, but now my only blood issue is high cholesterol. I'm confused how that can happen and will discuss with my PCP in a week or so at my next appointment. I'm scared because I fell down several steps outside and hit the ground hard yesterday. Thank goodness just bruised and scrapes. If anyone has any idea what I should do, please advise.

Jump to this post

Hi @bhoff, welcome. I agree with @sueinmn that you and your PCP should investigate further to find the underlying cause. You might wish to ask about liver's health. Liver function complications can hinder the organ’s ability to produce or clear cholesterol.

Was your weight loss intentional, i.e., health lifestyle choices? How are you feeling after your fall yesterday? That must've hurt.

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 4, 2022
In reply to @socrates50 "i have same problem no warning just fall not conscious until I hit the ground now..." + (show)
@socrates50

i have same problem no warning just fall not conscious until I hit the ground now more than 32 since 2008.
I have had 2 knees replaced and ligaments repaired. Neurologist says Drop Attack but Doctor said
Vascovagal syncope. No treatment or MRI nothing still fall.
The scary thing is I stepped off grass onto beach facing west when I woke up I was 6 feet facing north south on my back on the sand. I do not always travel mostly just go straight down sometimes wake enough time to put my hands in front of my face. Twice nearly run over so it is important I find out WHY?
Sometimes I do faint so add all falls now 74 and I have fainted since i was !!years old no sport.

Jump to this post

Hi @socrates50, welcome. I hope you saw @xottawan's response to you about seeing a cardiologist. Have you seen a heart specialist?

REPLY
lcristobal | @lcristobal | Feb 8, 2022

You might want to go to a neurologist. I don't want to alarm you but I saw some cases like this with acoustic neuroma. I hope this helps. Keep safe.

REPLY
liz493047 | @liz493047 | May 6, 2022

Hi: I have exactly the same problem, i will be walking along and all of a sudden i will go down, i know im going down, i dont pass out, but i cant stop from going down, ive got stictches on my forehead from falling and hitting the air conditioner grate plus big scar, it went clear to my skull on that one, got another scar on other side of forehead from fall in neighbors tarred driveway, and just recently i got black eye and i do not know if i did damage cause i wouldnt go to hospital. i think i did, cause i am still sore in places around the eye. Now i am afraid to go walking and just do what i have to do. I have done this for many years, im 72 now but i did it when i was 50. My husband is near end stage of lung cancer i cant leave him alone but i need to find out what is wrong, this is scaring me, i dont know how many more bumps my head is going to take. Im asking with you if theres anyone out there that knows anything or anywhere to go, please let us know. this is terrible. I feel for you and anyone that has it. Thank you

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 6, 2022
In reply to @liz493047 "Hi: I have exactly the same problem, i will be walking along and all of a..." + (show)
@liz493047

Hi: I have exactly the same problem, i will be walking along and all of a sudden i will go down, i know im going down, i dont pass out, but i cant stop from going down, ive got stictches on my forehead from falling and hitting the air conditioner grate plus big scar, it went clear to my skull on that one, got another scar on other side of forehead from fall in neighbors tarred driveway, and just recently i got black eye and i do not know if i did damage cause i wouldnt go to hospital. i think i did, cause i am still sore in places around the eye. Now i am afraid to go walking and just do what i have to do. I have done this for many years, im 72 now but i did it when i was 50. My husband is near end stage of lung cancer i cant leave him alone but i need to find out what is wrong, this is scaring me, i dont know how many more bumps my head is going to take. Im asking with you if theres anyone out there that knows anything or anywhere to go, please let us know. this is terrible. I feel for you and anyone that has it. Thank you

Jump to this post

Welcome @liz493047, I know it's difficult to take care of yourself when you are worried about leaving your husband alone. Do you have any friends or family that could stay with him while you see a doctor to discuss your symptoms of falling and possible causes?

REPLY
liz493047 | @liz493047 | May 6, 2022

At this point he just wont accept anyone else, he insists its me, its close to the end. I had made an appt with a neurologist, but i had to cancel last minute as hubby took turn for worse and it was 90 minute appt. Im really worried, im almost scared to go to store or anywhere any more. Its taking its toll on me. I remember standing in my living room when i was prob. 45 and just dropping, i think at that time i mite have blacked out but i dont black out now, i can tell im gonna drop, the last time i remember thinking put your hands out to protect your face and head, and i did, and immediately people were around me and i just said to them, let me lie here for a few minutes, and of course blood was gushing out of my eye area, its a crazy, scaru situation. Ive been to cardiologist, he says i am fine, ive had lots of tests with him, just about every test possible. yet most drs insist its my heart. So confusing. to those of you that have this if you find any results or if i do, l will post immediately because this is just scary. only happens when standing up, never sitting or lying down either. Maybe bu us all getting togetherand talking about it we can figure it out. Lets pray so.

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | May 7, 2022
In reply to @liz493047 "At this point he just wont accept anyone else, he insists its me, its close to..." + (show)
@liz493047

At this point he just wont accept anyone else, he insists its me, its close to the end. I had made an appt with a neurologist, but i had to cancel last minute as hubby took turn for worse and it was 90 minute appt. Im really worried, im almost scared to go to store or anywhere any more. Its taking its toll on me. I remember standing in my living room when i was prob. 45 and just dropping, i think at that time i mite have blacked out but i dont black out now, i can tell im gonna drop, the last time i remember thinking put your hands out to protect your face and head, and i did, and immediately people were around me and i just said to them, let me lie here for a few minutes, and of course blood was gushing out of my eye area, its a crazy, scaru situation. Ive been to cardiologist, he says i am fine, ive had lots of tests with him, just about every test possible. yet most drs insist its my heart. So confusing. to those of you that have this if you find any results or if i do, l will post immediately because this is just scary. only happens when standing up, never sitting or lying down either. Maybe bu us all getting togetherand talking about it we can figure it out. Lets pray so.

Jump to this post

Hello @liz493047,

I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. You obviously need to be seen by a doctor to have these episodes diagnosed and treated so that you can be safe. I understand that your husband does not want you to leave, but it's important to care for yourself so that you can care for him. Does that make sense?

Find someone that can stay with your husband so that you can be evaluated. Can you try that?

REPLY
frattmaa | @frattmaa | May 7, 2022
In reply to @liz493047 "At this point he just wont accept anyone else, he insists its me, its close to..." + (show)
@liz493047

At this point he just wont accept anyone else, he insists its me, its close to the end. I had made an appt with a neurologist, but i had to cancel last minute as hubby took turn for worse and it was 90 minute appt. Im really worried, im almost scared to go to store or anywhere any more. Its taking its toll on me. I remember standing in my living room when i was prob. 45 and just dropping, i think at that time i mite have blacked out but i dont black out now, i can tell im gonna drop, the last time i remember thinking put your hands out to protect your face and head, and i did, and immediately people were around me and i just said to them, let me lie here for a few minutes, and of course blood was gushing out of my eye area, its a crazy, scaru situation. Ive been to cardiologist, he says i am fine, ive had lots of tests with him, just about every test possible. yet most drs insist its my heart. So confusing. to those of you that have this if you find any results or if i do, l will post immediately because this is just scary. only happens when standing up, never sitting or lying down either. Maybe bu us all getting togetherand talking about it we can figure it out. Lets pray so.

Jump to this post

It sounds like orthostatic hypotension. Try getting up a little at a time, not all at once. This will give the time necessary to get you blood pressure not to drop.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.