How to prevent falls due to balance issues?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I need urgent advice about my husband's MS. He fell down the stairs yesterday and got a nasty bruise on his hip. He has been having balance issues for weeks but refused to use a walker (says he is too young at 45). The weakness in his legs is getting worse, and now he is scared to go up and down stairs alone. Our bedroom is upstairs; should we move downstairs? The physical therapist suggested some exercises, but they seemed to make him more tired. What can we do to prevent more falls?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understand your concern.
Although physical activities are highly recommended for chronically sick as well as normal people, any physical activity that causes pain or is potentially risky is better to be avoided.
For your husband, walking exercises, even with assistance, are highly recommended to keep the best possible physical fitness for simple daily activities. Going upstairs in the presence of balance problems is a potential risk for falling from height as if he falls from the top of the stairs would have a cascade effect down to the ground. So I think yes, change to the ground floor but keep physical therapy ongoing. Additionally, a bruise in the hip with constant pain or deformity is better to be investigated with an X-ray.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and take care.
Regards.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
General Practitioner
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