Falling for no apparent reason: Any ideas?

Of course my balance at 81 is not the same I had even two years ago, but I am not surprised. What I do to keep my balance in optimal shape is what I try to do often: walk on UNeven surfaces wherever possible -- so I walk often on the grassy space next to sidewalk. I do kicking in the air with full force or walk on checkered tiles in my apartment, inventing movement that train us for the movements that we all did when we played ping pong or Frisbee. Mostly using steps (even if escalators available, just for the Pleasant Exertion of it! Is it not true of brain and body that using it helps stay in shape longer!

I also find the info on FND in the link below helpful.
"Both biological and psychological factors can play a role in making you more likely to get FND or trigger FND symptoms."
https://www.massgeneral.org/neurology/treatments-and-services/functional-neurological-disorder-basics
And: http://www.neurosymptoms.org

And yes, oftentimes forgetting to drink water after waking up for hours makes me feel weak and dizzy. General health upkeep is never to be compromised. It certainly seems to have helped me not having to see my family doc only rarely ...the last visit was over seven years ago. An no meds, surgeries, supplements, tests either -- in a rather turbulent life.

@txnldy26yahoo I understand. All you are going through is nearly identical to me.
I use a cane or walker when going out because I occasionally tip over.
It took awhile to get the diagnosed. At first they thought I had Ataxia. My neurologist sent me to a movement specialist, and he diagnosed me with FND.

Treatment is both physical therapy, and mental health. If you’ve been reading about FND you have found out about all of that.

I’ve had FND for about 3-4 years.

I also have Mild Cognitive Impairment.
The FND and MCI are not related.

@SusanEllen66 yes I’ve been doing so much research I’m going crazy and overwhelmed by everything I’ve read. I don’t get my tests results back until July 8 when I follow up with my neurologist. I don’t know what I will do if all the tests come back negative. My balance is a little better but I’ve had to pay closer attention to how I walk, get up from sitting position and sitting down. Tell me more about the movement specialist if you don’t mind. I’m still learning how to use this website. It’s not exactly user friendly, lol 😂. So I take many screenshots just in case I can’t get back to what I was reading. If I need to, I will suggest it to my doctor. I feel like a lab rat if you will with all these tests. Thank you so much for responding. I’m so glad this platform has been getting so many responses. 👍 Looking forward to hearing from you 🤗

I empathize with you. I had one of my episodes just 2 days ago when I had a hard fall while working in the yard. In my case, while walking I suddenly lose control of my legs and they get a mind of their own. I usually speed up and have very little directional control. It ends only when I fall or get close enough to grab something to steady myself. It passes quickly and I am fine (although a little wobbly), It does not involve any vertigo or dizziness and comes on with very little warning.

I have had a neurologist for several years and he has no clue as to the cause. Due to other problems I have been through all of the neurological tests (EMG's, brain MRI's, EEG's, etc), mainly to rule out ALS and other possible issues. The only things that have been identified is cerebral microvascular disease and lacunar strokes, but he doesn't think these are related to my falls. My cardiologist has ruled out and cardio related causes.

It is frustrating and has been happening for about three years (I'm 68). I am concerned since it seems as they are happening more frequently. I am fortunate that I haven't been seriously injured yet, with only one fall requiring an ambulance to the hospital, but it is only a matter of time. I have just missed falling into a firepit, I have fallen over a wall, just missed falling into a pile of sharp rocks, and this last time just missed striking my head on a large rock (I was home alone at the time and this could have been fatal).

I went through vestibular therapy and this has helped with gait and balance issues but does nothing to prevent these episodes. It is frustrating and scary!

Your story is similar to mine.. have you been tested for Cerebral Ataxia? The cerebellum part of the brain controls movement and balance. Some MRIs only look for stroke etc… you need to ask if your cerebellum is shrinking.
I finally got my answer through testing.

The symptoms certainly point toward ataxia. What tests can help diagnose this? I've had a few MRI's, and they have only told me about my CMVD and lacunar strokes, no mention of any cerebellum shrinkage. I asked my neurologist if these could result in my episodes and he dismissed that idea.

I am trying to identify possible triggers or warning signs. Prior to this last one I did have a bad headache (rare for me) and my tinnitus was worse. Something is definitely happening to cause these sudden falls. I believe that they are related to TIA's or lacunar infarcts, but my doctor said he doesn't think so.

I find myself limiting things that I do or avoiding certain situations that would be dangerous to me if I have one of these events. It is frustrating.

Thanks

The symptoms you’re experiencing could be from multiple areas from your ears to a brain tumor to stenosis of the spine and the only way you’re going to know is go to a Neurologist and get him to get involved in your care . Make sure you go to a hospital that has a reputation for quality care and I would hope you are in a situation that would allow you to have access to Mayo Clinic’s Neurology Center by the way I have been through the same situation with my falling (6 times ) it’s a very scary situation for sure but be proactive and pray for guidance ( I go to Vanderbilt the first day of July for this same thing that your experiencing.

Also, I have an abnormal EEG, which the neurologist said is related to my CMVD but is unrelated to my falls. I've always been healthy and physically active, and now I can't play any racquet /paddle sports, bike, or even take a long brisk walk without the fear that I'll end up on the ground!

@txnldy26yahoo I was sent to a neurologist who specializes in movement because I started having tremors. That is in addition to my “drunk like” walking, so I’m having all kinds “fun”.
The doc tested my balance, the direction path of my eyes, how fast or slowly I could clap my hands…etc.
I also have double vision, and was sent to both a Neuro ophthalmologist and Neuro optometrist for glasses with prisms.
So, bottom line for me is, FND or functional neurologic disorder.

@SusanEllen66 thank you so much for your response. It’s so nice to chat with others going through the same things. I will keep you updated on my progress. Hugs 🤗