Suggest Treatment For Ataxia In An Elderly Person

Posted on Mon, 6 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 6 Mar 2017 Answered on

Mon, 3 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband is in early 70s. His whole family has balance issues as they get older. Also he is a pretty heavy drinker. About two years ago he would fall occasionally and couldn't get up. It was like his legs would not work. He also has mild dementia, diagnosed. I would try to help him but could not lift him. He was conscious. I was not in the room when he fell. He was taking some pretty high dose blood pressure medicine. The strange thing was later he would get up normally and walk around. After changing medicine the incidents stopped. One leg in particular is effected and he kind of scuffs it when he walks even normally. That one leg seems to prevent him from getting up. It seems like he can't figure out how to use it. He had tests, MRI, and they did not see incidence of strokes. Last he fell for first time in a long time, he hurt his foot when he fell and I will take him to doctor. He has always been slender and never a big eater, quite picky. Here is my question when he falls and can't seem to know how to use his legs and then later be fine. Is it due to dementia, drinking , poor nutrition or could it be some kind of seizure; it is very odd. Also he has COPD. He still smokes lightly. Two cigarettes a day.

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cause of imbalance

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, thanks for asking from HCM.

I can understand your concern. Your husband is suffering from imbalance problem or ataxia. As your husband had history of chronic alcoholism, family history, it could be due to following system

- Cerebellum - This is the most common area affected by prolonged alcohol intake and family history. As his MRI brain was normal, it was less likely. You should consult good neurologist. he will examine his cerebellar system to find any abnormality.

- Posterior column of sensory system - It can be affected by B12 deficiency, prolonged poor nutrition, familial disease. It can be ruled out by clinical examination, Nerve Conduction Velocity of peripheral nerves.

To reach unto some conclusion, these two systems must be differentiated. After this, some disease can be suspected. Common causes of imbalance are chronic alcoholism, B12 deficiency, cerebellar atrophy, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, dementia.

My advise to you is - You should get your husband examined properly from good neurologist. Only after that his disease can be found.

Hope it will help you. If any doubt, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad