Falling forward

Me too. What is this about? How do you stop

Thank you everyone for your comments. My problem began to show up after I had two episodes of vertigo. I have been doing PT for back and general balance problems. I will discuss all this with my primary care and neurologist and report back to you. I’m 75 and really can’t afford fall.

Hello@kybabs, I would like to add my welcome to you as you have just recently joined Mayo Clinic Connect.

I can certainly understand your concern over your husband's falls. I am glad to read that he will be seeing a doctor regarding this. Falls are a difficult problem as we get older and lead to surgeries for broken bones as well as time in rehab. It is important to try to get to the root cause of these falling spells.

You might try keeping a journal of his falls and record when they occur. For example, falls before mealtime might suggest a problem with blood sugar. Often problems upon rising can be attributed to blood pressure fluctuations. There are so many reasons for falls that it takes a good neurological exam to rule out the many possibilities.

If he has a neurologist, I would highly recommend that he make an appointment there as well. Neurologists can be very helpful in understanding balance and falling problems.

Will you post again with an update as to how your husband is doing?

I am new to connect, a little background I am now 80 years young, about 20 years ago at the mayo, I diagnosed me with partial transverse myelitis, I my right leg & foot seemed cold
and the right side of my body up to my rib cage to my spine on the right side, I also had a hard time controlling my bowl after about 5 years this all passed, about 10 years ago I started falling from time to time now is getting worse the best way to explain it it I feel like I'm drunk, I asked my primary to get me an appointment with a neurologist but instead he want me to go to PT.
I have been to PT for lower back pain before with no satisfaction, and it's scary walking across a parking lot even with a cane, I have found when I get tired it is even worse. Do you think I should try the PT, or should I see a Neurologist? Thanks Chuck

I am new to connect, a little background I am now 80 years young, about 20 years ago at the mayo, I diagnosed me with partial transverse myelitis, I my right leg & foot seemed cold
and the right side of my body up to my rib cage to my spine on the right side, I also had a hard time controlling my bowl after about 5 years this all passed, about 10 years ago I started falling from time to time now is getting worse the best way to explain it it I feel like I'm drunk, I asked my primary to get me an appointment with a neurologist but instead he want me to go to PT.
I have been to PT for lower back pain before with no satisfaction, and it's scary walking across a parking lot even with a cane, I have found when I get tired it is even worse. Do you think I should try the PT, or should I see a Neurologist? Thanks Chuck

Wlecome to Mayo Connect, where we can offer you suggestions and encouragement, but not a diagnosis.
Your two posts make me think you should "dig your toes in" and insist on seeing a neurologist. I am particularly thinking that because of your description of needing to pause & think before you move, which really indicates there may be an issue of your brain-nerve-muscle connection.

Do you think you can convince your primary? Or can you refer yourself?
Sue

Hello @soud,

I would agree with your assessment that you need to be seen by a neurologist. Falling is especially difficult as you risk broken bones, concussions, etc.

Do you live near a research-oriented medical facility such as a university medical school or near a Mayo facility? This would probably be the best place to get treatment.

Do you live near one of these facilities?

I'm 3 hours from the Uof M Fairview I believe a neurologist from there comes to our local Fair View