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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Loss Of Balance While On Gabapentin?

I need spinal stenosis surgery as I have severe spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and osteopenia. I will be 60 next month and am 5 5 tall. When I went to the Mayo Clinic for help, I weighed 260 pounds and the doctor there told me to lose 60 pounds before surgery. I have lost all but 15 pounds of the 60 but I keep loosing my balance and falling. I will need rods put into my spine to support it once I have the surgery and I was wondering how much I can weigh before the rods will not support me? Do I have to be down to 200 pounds? I am on gabapentin - 4 pills 3 times a day of 300 mg strength. Can that be causing the falls.
Tue, 8 Jan 2019
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hello,

It might be due to vertigo and not related to gabapentin. As a first line management you can take drugs like betahistine for symptomatic relief. If symptoms persist better to consult an ENT specialist and get evaluated.

Hope I have answered your queries. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Loss Of Balance While On Gabapentin?

Hello, It might be due to vertigo and not related to gabapentin. As a first line management you can take drugs like betahistine for symptomatic relief. If symptoms persist better to consult an ENT specialist and get evaluated. Hope I have answered your queries. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Shinas Hussain, General & Family Physician