What Causes Severe And Persistent Balance Issues?

Posted on Tue, 13 Sep 2016

Question: I have been falling down a lot and I have balance problems. this has been going on now for about six or seven years. I have lost most of my muscles in my legs and my arms. I now cant write I have to use my computer. so, what do you think, my doctor have no answers. I've test after test, treatment after treatment. I think I have Lew Gherings or MS. I remember as a child that I would always fall down, my legs would just stop working.

I m sorry I just can't think.. as I said I've seen lots of doctors. I just am ready to give-up. sorry for this waste of time

I take Effexor 75 bid OxyContin 40 bid I've taken these meds since 1997

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
agree that a full neurological assessment is needed

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It would be best, as your doctor suggested, to see a neurologist for a complete assessment.

A neurologist would be able to assess you and perform the necessary investigations
Workup for XXXXXXX gehrig disease (also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) requires genetic testing , neuroimaging (such as CT or MRI), biopsy of muscles and nerve conduction tests may also be needed

Blood tests are also a requirement and it is possible that you may done some of these.
Blood tests include serum protein electrophoresis (used to diagnose multiple myeloma), vitamin b1 levels, syphilis testing, thyroid function tests, parathyroid hormone levels.
May also want to rule out myasthenia gravis.

Multiple sclerosis also requires testing , normally repeated MRI are done to show changes that occur with each attack.

With the degree of muscle weakness that you are experiencing, it would really be best for you to be fully assessed so that a cause can be found

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar