Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Vestibular Dysfunction

Posted on Sat, 17 Jan 2015

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

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 Answered on

Tue, 3 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My father is 85 years old and in good health although he does have a pace maker. He has been a heavy drinker for many years and still probably has three or so shots of vodka a day, but he does not show it when he is drinking; still appears sharp and sober in my opinion. His problem is balance. He says if he tries to walk a straight line he cannot and will look drunk. He falls quite a lot, and the falling is not necessarily associated with dizziness. The other day he was in his parking garage and loading groceries into his cart. He was trying to turn to the left but instead his body propelled him to the right. Since there was no wall to grab , he fell on the floor and hurt his head. He had to crawl to the wall to help him get up. He complains constantly of lack of balance

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possible vestibular dysfunction

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your Query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. It appears to be due to vestibular dysfunction. Damage to the vestibular system causes loss of imbalance.
2. However, first need to check for postural hypotension, if there is any dizziness due to change in position like from sleeping to sitting or from sitting to standing. If its not there, need to look into adequate hydration. Alcohol can be dehydrating and at least 6-8 liters of water per day is necessary.
3. If its not, meet an ENT specialist to get vestibular system evaluation. Based on identification of cause appropriate treatment possible.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar