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.

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I began having trouble walking and it took years for them to find out I had a condition called ataxia caused by a very rare brain disease called superficial siderosis. It takes an MRI of your brain to find it. It’s a slowly deteriorating sense of balance. Another symptom is hearing loss. (I hope you don’t have it.)

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I do the same thing and have been diagnosed with Parkinsonism and dyskinesia. I am more careful now and use a rolator.

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Have you thought about going to a neurologist and getting tested for Parkinsons' Disease?

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@jenniferemery

I do the same thing and have been diagnosed with Parkinsonism and dyskinesia. I am more careful now and use a rolator.

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sorry, i didn't see your comment--

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Hi, I am a 66 yo female living on the Seacoast NH. I tend to fall backwards. Have had too many falls backward this month. Usually when I get up from sitting down or when I am kneeling with one knee to get into bottom of fridge.
Last week, my daughter called ambulance on me as I hit my head hard. She saw my conversation on FB. Last time I do that! I didn't know, suddenly 5 EMTs are keying in my door. I did go to ER, they did bloodwork, blood pressure differences standing or sitting, CT scan, social worker to discuss resources, doc said I had a big bump on side of head. I was there for the good part of day and night. They were all very busy but very kind to all, plus they knew I didn't want to be there.
I too have not felt dizzy when I fall. At our age, it's probable wise to consult with ENT. Could be our ears.
The CT scan wasn't the best nor was my blood labs. They give you the results in your discharge papers. I am going to follow up next week to see doc and review what all this means. I do hope you find any easy fix. Take care of yourself!
Deb

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@ritacous40

I have fallen backwards twice both with a four year gap. I was told it was called
'"Drop Attack and explained by Mayo Clinic.

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I have never heard of drop attack.....?

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About two weeks ago I tried getting out of bed, room started spinning and AFTER SPINNING STOPPED I STILL NEEDED A CANE. Now I can’t walk without one, despite being strong and fit. If I turn quickly or look up it’s a trigger to lose my balance. I’d fall if I wasn’t strong from my balance training.
I recovered slowly from Covid in July and was fine for a few weeks- now this. I can’t drive or go to the grocery store, much less lead my normal life.

I suffered a broken neck ten years ago and had to use a cane for awhile off and on- this is much more severe. Are others experiencing this? Had neuropathy post-Covid but it’s somewhat better now.

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@wbblanche

About two weeks ago I tried getting out of bed, room started spinning and AFTER SPINNING STOPPED I STILL NEEDED A CANE. Now I can’t walk without one, despite being strong and fit. If I turn quickly or look up it’s a trigger to lose my balance. I’d fall if I wasn’t strong from my balance training.
I recovered slowly from Covid in July and was fine for a few weeks- now this. I can’t drive or go to the grocery store, much less lead my normal life.

I suffered a broken neck ten years ago and had to use a cane for awhile off and on- this is much more severe. Are others experiencing this? Had neuropathy post-Covid but it’s somewhat better now.

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I would guess that this sudden balance issue is pretty frightening for you. If it persists, maybe you could consider referral to a Balance Clinic. Are you having continued dizziness? Or any nausea?
Sue

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@sueinmn

I would guess that this sudden balance issue is pretty frightening for you. If it persists, maybe you could consider referral to a Balance Clinic. Are you having continued dizziness? Or any nausea?
Sue

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I’ve been to balance school twice, after breaking my neck ten years ago. I’m managing best as possible as I’m balance aware, mostly terrible heaviness and fog in the brain and neck. Very debilitating. Hardly any nausea, except when I first turned in bed and this came on.

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@wbblanche

About two weeks ago I tried getting out of bed, room started spinning and AFTER SPINNING STOPPED I STILL NEEDED A CANE. Now I can’t walk without one, despite being strong and fit. If I turn quickly or look up it’s a trigger to lose my balance. I’d fall if I wasn’t strong from my balance training.
I recovered slowly from Covid in July and was fine for a few weeks- now this. I can’t drive or go to the grocery store, much less lead my normal life.

I suffered a broken neck ten years ago and had to use a cane for awhile off and on- this is much more severe. Are others experiencing this? Had neuropathy post-Covid but it’s somewhat better now.

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I used to fall constantly before my major spine surgery. Gentle hugs

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