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Problems with my balance, but no dizziness

Posted , 3 users are following.

ken2409
ken2409

Hello, I'm seeking help to understand a problem I have with my ability to balance, a problem I have suffered with since 2007, but which recently has become a lot worse, to the point now where I feel it's a danger to my safety. (As an example; I can sometimes be standing at pedestrian lights waiting to cross a road when I find that without any warning I have swayed forward and have to stagger a step or two in order not to fall over), I'm not able to detect that I'm unbalanced until it's almost too late and I frequently stagger as I walk or have to use walls etc. to steady myself. I have been prescribed 'Bradt-Daroff' exercises, but after two weeks I find these to be ineffective. All the web sites I have read and clinicians I have spoken to tend to refer to my balance problems as "dizziness", and though I tell clinicians I don't suffer from dizziness, they don't seem to hear this. So, is there anybody that can tell me of any conditions that can seriously impair your balance and yet not make you feel dizzy.

I am male, 69 years of age, not over weight, very fit for my age, I don't smoke or drink and I have no other health problems I'm aware of, except I do often wake up in the mornings with quite severe headaches.

Thank you

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Marina_Dee
    Marina_Dee ken2409

    Posted

    Have you only seen your own GP for this? and how many times have you seen him/her?   Are you taking any medication?  This sounds as though you need more thorough investigations ie a full MOT.
    • ken2409
      ken2409 Marina_Dee

      Posted

      Hi Marina, I've also seen a balance specialist in 2008, but he misdiagnosed me as having had a viral infection that caused the problem (can't remember what it was called). At the time I stated I had not had any viral infections recently, but that seems to have been overlooked. I'm not on any medication, and just recently I have seen one of the more senior Doctors in my surgery. He seems to be taking it more seriously and is referring me to a specialist. With the knowledge I've gained over the years, I hope to be more proactive in understanding the tests and diagnosis this time around. I'm really hoping it can be diagnosed and treated; it's making life... difficult. Thanks

  • maureen05275
    maureen05275 ken2409

    Posted

    Hello Ken,

    I know it's been a long time but I am interested to hear if you have found a diagnosis/help in the intervening two months.  I do not have the severity of your problem but have what I call 'disequilibrium' which for me means I have to be careful not to turn too quickly, move my head too quickly, look up too much and I frequently used the walls for support but I do not fall over.  A rather useless ENT I saw mid-2015 said (without any testing) that I had 'peripheral vestibulopathy', a result of aging (I was 70 at the time).  He also misdiagnosed my ear problem as a general Eustachian tube disorder.  This has now been diagnosed as Patulous Eustachian Tube which means it is stuck in the open position and I sometimes wonder if this is the cause of my balance issue.  Other health issues I have are more debilitating and I do not believe ENTs here can help so I just live with this.

    I hope you have been helped.

    Sincerely, Maureen 

    • ken2409
      ken2409 maureen05275

      Posted

      Hi Mauree05275, sorry for not seeing your post ealier and sorry to read of your problems; I fully appriciate the harm that can be done by a bad doctor or specialist. But yes, I have now been diagnosed and yes I did get help. My doctor refer me to the Leicester EMT, balance clinic where I saw a excellent specialist who took the trouble to explained things to me and dispel nonsence. She dignosed BPPV in my right ear and did a right Epley Manouvre there and then, before sending me for theropy. At first I felt no difference, but after several weeks of eyes excercises I started to rappidly improve. It's good to get my life back again and I can only hope you are able to find the help you need. People don't understand how dibilitating balance problems can be. Kindest whishes, Ken

  • ken2409
    ken2409

    Posted

    Hello, It's been a long time since my original post and a lot has happened since then. My doctor did refer me to the EMT, Balance clinic and I was dignosed with BPPV in my right ear. The specialist did a right Epley Manouvre  there and then, before sending me for theropy. At first I felt no difference, but after several weeks excercises I started to rappidly improve. I find it hard to describe the relief I get from not stumbling around, not having to hold on to things and not being afraid to close my eyes etc. I still have a long way to go, but it such a pleasure being able to live life again.

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