Suggest Treatment For Imbalance Issues

Posted on Wed, 29 Oct 2014

Question: For about 3 to 4 months I have had trouble with my balance. Can't stand on a scale without trying again. We would at a 50th XXXXXXX last night and I was afraid to dance with him. I am a 68 year old and still young at heart. The only trauma in my life, my Mom pass away about 6 mos. ago, I have been on depression pills since I lost my 17 year old daughter from a drunk driver. I feel I need to change pills since I feel depressed early afternoon. My main concern is my balance. Where or what do I need to do? XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You need consultation by neurologist

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing XXXXXX..

Can you please describe what do you mean by brain X ray? Is it CT scan of head or MRI brain OR simple X-ray?

The imbalance at your age can be due to many conditions like:
1. Cerebellar degeneration or infarct
2. Parkinson's disease
3. Vit-B12 deficiency
4. Any ischemia in the region of brain controlling your movements [basal ganglia]

These all are about the organic lesions and I feel these would be the primary cause.

Excessive worry and stress with sadness can cause fatiguability and weakness but the imbalance can not be continuous.
Which kind of pills you are on? If you are taking more sleeping pills? what about the drinking habit?

I am waiting here for your answers, so that I can help you better. Wishing you good health..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ravi Soni (1 hour later)

I beleive it was a CT scan. I also have a thing with my right hand.While I am typing my hand has a kind of twitchy every once in a while. I am really worry about Parkinson's disease.

Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be parkinson's

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.

In parkinson's there is tremors in hands, rigidity, decrease range of movement, difficulty in walking and maintaining the balance, mask like face, salivation and sometimes urinary incontinence also.

The tremors are typical pill rolling tremors seen in thumb and index finger placed on a table in the position of holding a glass of water. it can be fine movements.

Also, If you were my patient I will go for blood investigations like, serum vit. b12, d3, thyroid function tests, serum folic acid.

It would be better for you to visit a neurophysician for your neurological examination.

Early parkinsons disease does not show any abnormality in brain..

I think this will be helpful to you..if you have further query then feel free to ask..best of luck,,

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj