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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Profile picture for keithl56 @keithl56

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!

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@keithl56 I’m praying for you. I pray it doesn’t take three years to get any kind of diagnosis. When I fall I also have no warning. Something happens with my legs and feet. Next thing I know is that I’m either on the ground or desperately trying to hold onto anything to keep myself from falling. I understand where you’re coming from. I don’t thing I’ve had and EEG. I think I had the EMG. I’ve had so many different tests it’s difficult to keep up with all of them. I probably should keep a notebook of what I’ve had done and when. I will try to remember to keep you updated on my progress. Hugs 🤗

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Profile picture for txnldy26yahoo @txnldy26yahoo

@keithl56 I’m praying for you. I pray it doesn’t take three years to get any kind of diagnosis. When I fall I also have no warning. Something happens with my legs and feet. Next thing I know is that I’m either on the ground or desperately trying to hold onto anything to keep myself from falling. I understand where you’re coming from. I don’t thing I’ve had and EEG. I think I had the EMG. I’ve had so many different tests it’s difficult to keep up with all of them. I probably should keep a notebook of what I’ve had done and when. I will try to remember to keep you updated on my progress. Hugs 🤗

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Your description what happens to you is exactly what happens to me. I will also let you know if I find out anything regarding causes or treatments. Sometimes I have short warning when I start to feel "wobbly" or my gait is off (start to "shuffle".

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I lose my balance and apart from neurological problems I have an inner ear problem. It would be worth following that up
Graham

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Profile picture for grahamc @grahamc

I lose my balance and apart from neurological problems I have an inner ear problem. It would be worth following that up
Graham

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Already had a couple of visits with an ENT - no ear problems. He did prescribe vestibular therapy which helps with balance but does not prevent the sudden falls.

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Could it be PPPD? when tests fail to reveal a biological reason for losing your balance, this might be it.After 3 years and a few falls my ENT gave me this diagnosis based on symptoms

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Profile picture for keithl56 @keithl56

Your description what happens to you is exactly what happens to me. I will also let you know if I find out anything regarding causes or treatments. Sometimes I have short warning when I start to feel "wobbly" or my gait is off (start to "shuffle".

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@keithl56 I look forward to keeping in touch with you.

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Profile picture for fehrlady @fehrlady

Could it be PPPD? when tests fail to reveal a biological reason for losing your balance, this might be it.After 3 years and a few falls my ENT gave me this diagnosis based on symptoms

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No dizziness which is a symptom of PPPD.

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I had the same problem with falling and after seeing a neurologist, I was referred for physical therapy. I explained the problem I was having with falling and she thought it was an inner ear problem. She explained that crystals can escape from the inner ear. She did the Eppley maneuver on me and my nausea and dizziness was gone in a matter of seconds! This was the closest thing to a miracle I've ever experienced. I have fallen a couple of times since but I was responsible for those. (Not watching where I was going, going too fast, etc.)

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