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What Causes Sudden Loss Of Balance In Legs?
Today, while running across a street, I fell suddenly (without tripping.) I did not pass out or lose consciousness, I simply had the awareness that my legs suddenly weren t working. I fell forward onto my hands, barely escaping landing on my face. It was extremely disconcerting in that, as I said, I did not trip. I did not black out or become dizzy. Literally, the only sensation I had was that my legs simply stopped. I m 42 and in good health.
Wed, 3 May 2023
Hello,
Weakness in your legs may occur from problems in the nerves or muscles in your lower body. Your symptoms can be indicative of central canal stenosis, it occurs due to severe disc herniation, abnormally overgrown bone (bone spurs), or thickening of the spinal ligaments. It can cause weakness in both legs, loss of balance, difficulty in walking, pain after walking variable distances (neurogenic claudication).
Other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms are radiculopathy, diabetic neuropathy, cauda equina syndrome, etc. Control blood sugar level at all cost if diabetic. Get clinically examined by a GP, you may be referred to a Neurologist for detailed evaluation so that treatment can be started,
Radiculopathy usually occurs as a result of nerve root compression from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis. It causes loss of balance while walking, running, difficulty in lifting the leg. It can be treated with physical therapy, regular exercise, heat and cold therapy, and medication. The treating doctor may suggest surgery in case there is no response to treatment.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
Weakness in your legs may occur from problems in the nerves or muscles in your lower body. Your symptoms can be indicative of central canal stenosis, it occurs due to severe disc herniation, abnormally overgrown bone (bone spurs), or thickening of the spinal ligaments. It can cause weakness in both legs, loss of balance, difficulty in walking, pain after walking variable distances (neurogenic claudication).
Other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms are radiculopathy, diabetic neuropathy, cauda equina syndrome, etc. Control blood sugar level at all cost if diabetic. Get clinically examined by a GP, you may be referred to a Neurologist for detailed evaluation so that treatment can be started,
Radiculopathy usually occurs as a result of nerve root compression from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis. It causes loss of balance while walking, running, difficulty in lifting the leg. It can be treated with physical therapy, regular exercise, heat and cold therapy, and medication. The treating doctor may suggest surgery in case there is no response to treatment.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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