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What Do My MRI And CT Scan Reports Indicate?
Question: Hi, I've developed a fear of falling. It only happens when the ground is wet or on wooden floors (or tile) - basically shiny floors. it doesn't happen on carpet or if it is dry concrete. I also have to hold on the railing when going down the stairs and going down any kind of incline. I have good balance if I'm standing. I have even been practicing on a bosu ball and my "standing" balance is good. it's only when I'm walking. I've switched to non-slip shoes, but that didn't help. I've had brain MRI and CT scan and all is normal. I've also had a hearing test and that's normal too. I've done blood tests and those seem fine too. I tell myself it's in my head, but as soon as I try to walk normal, I slip. I've actually slipped/or lost my balance but because I work out regularly and do lots of balancing exercises, I'm able to recover and avoid falling. It's getting really bad. it's now limiting where I go and what I do!! Thanks for your help!!
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. Beck,
I am a family practice physician, not a specialist in balance problems, but I might be able to help to know what you should do next.
I see that you had normal MRI and CT scans, but I am wondering if you have actually had a consult with a neurologist? While there may be no visible lesions in the brain, possibly there is some other neurological mechanism going on.
The second thing to consider would be to see a physician who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMandR). They may be able to either sort this out or help you to overcome it. They help people with gait or movement problems from a variety of causes.
Finally, and I say this with caution because I haven't examined you, and psychiatric causes should be pursued in a situation like this only if physical reasons have been totally ruled out - it may be a type of phobia. A psychologist who has experience treating phobias may help. And medications such as SSRIs can help with anxiety related to phobias too.
I'm sorry you are experiencing this! I think there is hope though.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. Beck,
I am a family practice physician, not a specialist in balance problems, but I might be able to help to know what you should do next.
I see that you had normal MRI and CT scans, but I am wondering if you have actually had a consult with a neurologist? While there may be no visible lesions in the brain, possibly there is some other neurological mechanism going on.
The second thing to consider would be to see a physician who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMandR). They may be able to either sort this out or help you to overcome it. They help people with gait or movement problems from a variety of causes.
Finally, and I say this with caution because I haven't examined you, and psychiatric causes should be pursued in a situation like this only if physical reasons have been totally ruled out - it may be a type of phobia. A psychologist who has experience treating phobias may help. And medications such as SSRIs can help with anxiety related to phobias too.
I'm sorry you are experiencing this! I think there is hope though.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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