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What Causes Weakness In Legs Causing Loss Of Balance While Treating PVD
Question: I am a diabetic with PVD, lately my left leg just gives out and I have fallen 2 times this week. What other than the PVD may be causing this?
Brief Answer:
Neuropathy. Cerebrovascular disease. Vit D deficiency. Parkinson's disease.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms XXXXXXX I read your query and noted the content.
A few conditions that co-exist in patients with diabetes and PVD are peripheral neuropathy and cerebrovascular disease (brain).
Falls can happen secondary to nerve dysfunction to the leg resulting in instability- the balance(proprioception) is affected selectively in certain cases. Since PVD involves a decreased blood supply to the leg (where large vessels are involved), its possible you have a decrease to the brain as well (where large vessels are present). The above mentioned correlations are seen clinically in practice.
I would suggest you visit a physician to evaluate both of these. The neurological deficit - peripheral neuropathy can be assessed clinically and you may need an NCV if its markedly deranged. Likewise, you may need a carotid doppler to check for the vascularity to the brain.
Another common condition that is seen in practice affecting post menopausal women mainly is vitamin D deficiency which can be a cause of the falls as well. Vitamin D estimation is done through a blood test. If you have a family history of parkinson's disease that could be a cause too. All these can be evaluated and treated if seen.
I would particularly like to tell you to be careful while walking especially on wet floors and steps. While you turn its better to take short and steady steps. Walking (short spells with frequent rest) improves the circulation to the legs. Please maintain a strict diabetes control and take medications to keep your LDL levels below 70 mg/dl. Aspirin is also indicated.
I will be happy to answer any more queries if you wish to ask me. I wish you good health.
Take care.
Warm regards,
Dr Praveen Jeyapathy
Neuropathy. Cerebrovascular disease. Vit D deficiency. Parkinson's disease.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms XXXXXXX I read your query and noted the content.
A few conditions that co-exist in patients with diabetes and PVD are peripheral neuropathy and cerebrovascular disease (brain).
Falls can happen secondary to nerve dysfunction to the leg resulting in instability- the balance(proprioception) is affected selectively in certain cases. Since PVD involves a decreased blood supply to the leg (where large vessels are involved), its possible you have a decrease to the brain as well (where large vessels are present). The above mentioned correlations are seen clinically in practice.
I would suggest you visit a physician to evaluate both of these. The neurological deficit - peripheral neuropathy can be assessed clinically and you may need an NCV if its markedly deranged. Likewise, you may need a carotid doppler to check for the vascularity to the brain.
Another common condition that is seen in practice affecting post menopausal women mainly is vitamin D deficiency which can be a cause of the falls as well. Vitamin D estimation is done through a blood test. If you have a family history of parkinson's disease that could be a cause too. All these can be evaluated and treated if seen.
I would particularly like to tell you to be careful while walking especially on wet floors and steps. While you turn its better to take short and steady steps. Walking (short spells with frequent rest) improves the circulation to the legs. Please maintain a strict diabetes control and take medications to keep your LDL levels below 70 mg/dl. Aspirin is also indicated.
I will be happy to answer any more queries if you wish to ask me. I wish you good health.
Take care.
Warm regards,
Dr Praveen Jeyapathy
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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