Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Had Fallen Suddenly, Unable To Walk Or Stand. Was Under Treatment And Told Its Due To Osteoporosis. Suggest?
Hello Doctor,
My mother aged 83 was healthy and walking around but last month she has a fall and she even couldnt recall the cause. She was admitted in hospital and was under treatment then discharged. She is unable to walk or even stand. Doctor says due osteoporosis and neurological issues it is happening. However would request your advice.
My mother aged 83 was healthy and walking around but last month she has a fall and she even couldnt recall the cause. She was admitted in hospital and was under treatment then discharged. She is unable to walk or even stand. Doctor says due osteoporosis and neurological issues it is happening. However would request your advice.
posted on
Thu, 29 Aug 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 29 Aug 2013
Answered on
Sat, 31 Aug 2013
Last reviewed on
Thank you for consulting in Healthcare magic,
Falls are very common in elderly due to weakness and medications.
Even trivial Injury will cause fractures in Osteoporosis(thinning of Bones)
I would suggest you to
1.Get the Fracture treated
2.Use medications that will treat Osteoporosis(etidronate etc)
3.minimize the medications to as less as possible and avoid sleep medications
Falls are very common in elderly due to weakness and medications.
Even trivial Injury will cause fractures in Osteoporosis(thinning of Bones)
I would suggest you to
1.Get the Fracture treated
2.Use medications that will treat Osteoporosis(etidronate etc)
3.minimize the medications to as less as possible and avoid sleep medications
I find this answer helpful
Hi
Thank you for your question.
Inability to walk may be due to advanced age and generalized weakness or due to specific muscle weakness. She will need an evaluation by a physician for the same. Arm and leg weakness may result from injury to the spinal cord in the cervical spine where the canal may be narrowed as a consequence of degenerative changes in the spine. This can be found out by examination and MRI of the cervical spine. An examination by a physician is necessary to rule out fractures. Physiotherapy may be needed for longer time in elderly individuals to overcome generalized weakness and start walking. Osteoporosis by itself leading to inability to walk in a previously walking person is unlikely.
Wishing her the best recovery.
Thank you for your question.
Inability to walk may be due to advanced age and generalized weakness or due to specific muscle weakness. She will need an evaluation by a physician for the same. Arm and leg weakness may result from injury to the spinal cord in the cervical spine where the canal may be narrowed as a consequence of degenerative changes in the spine. This can be found out by examination and MRI of the cervical spine. An examination by a physician is necessary to rule out fractures. Physiotherapy may be needed for longer time in elderly individuals to overcome generalized weakness and start walking. Osteoporosis by itself leading to inability to walk in a previously walking person is unlikely.
Wishing her the best recovery.
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
I suspect that your mother could have sustained a Osteoporotic spinal compression fracture due to fall that may have resulted in inability to walk or even stand.
An xray of the Dorsolumbar spine will show up a fracture and MRI scan is needed to diagnose any compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
General measures include
* Giving her high protein diet
* Nutritional supplements
* Calcium and Vitamin D preparations
* Encouraging her to walk using cane or walking frame
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
I suspect that your mother could have sustained a Osteoporotic spinal compression fracture due to fall that may have resulted in inability to walk or even stand.
An xray of the Dorsolumbar spine will show up a fracture and MRI scan is needed to diagnose any compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
General measures include
* Giving her high protein diet
* Nutritional supplements
* Calcium and Vitamin D preparations
* Encouraging her to walk using cane or walking frame
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Physiotherapy
Loading Online Doctors....