I can walk fast but if I slow down I lose balance. Please advice.

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 70 years old, male. I was in good health, hiked, exercised, ate right. My weight is 175 lb and I am 5 feet 9 inches tall. A few months ago, I experienced intense vertigo and severe nausea. I was hospitalized for 15+ days where I was tested for meningitis (came back negative), tick born illnesses (negative) and autoimmune disorders. The doctors were not able to diagnose my condition and released me from the hospital. I could barely walk when I was released and lost over 30 lbs (due to constant vomiting while in the hospital). The doctors still have no idea what is wrong. I have now been home for a month's time and I am still having difficulty walking, the vertigo is gone though. My walking or balance seems to get better and worse in the same day. I cannot stand still. I can walk fast but if I slow down I lose my balance. My legs feel like jelly. I am very frustrated and have no idea what this could be. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have gained back all the weight and I do feel physically strong as I was before the hospitalization but I am still weak and lose my balance.

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Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I read carefully your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to an inner ear disorder. Have you been checked by an ENT (ear-nose-throat) specialist? Have you performed any labyrinthine tests? Coming to this point, I would recommend avoiding abrupt head movements and take Dimenhydrinate therapy, in order to help reduce vertigo and also nausea. A brain angiography MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) is necessary to examine the blood flow to the brain and exclude possible vertebro-basilary insufficiency, which is related to narrowing of these blood vessels.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. I understand your concern and would explain that many disorders need a long time (even months) to recover, especially when dealing with an inner ear disorder or a neurological condition (stroke, infection, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, etc.). The diagnostic tests need some days. On the other hand, the therapy does not always make miracles in such disorders. Anyway, I would like to directly review your performed tests for a more professional opinion, if you can upload them on this site. Have you been checked for an inner ear disorder by an ear nose throat (ENT) specialist? I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need.