Balance issues

Angels_love
Angels_loveon Tuesday, February 12 2019
2 Comments

Hello, my mom suffered multiple strokes and deteriorated quickly. We took care of her for awhile, but she got to the point where she couldn't walk. Her neurologist (who she hasn't even seen yet!) ordered that she be transferred to a local nursing home and is currently undergoing physical therapy. Her biggest problem is with balance, she feels as though she's falling backwards all of the time. I'm not sure exactly in her brain where the strokes occurred, but she hit the back of her head in one of her falls pretty severely. The area she hit is where the cerebellum is located, and this area still causes her pain. As far as the balance issues, she had physical therapy before she deteriorated, and it didn't help. I know there are medications for balance issues. My worry is, if she doesn't get well enough to walk she won't be able to be released from the nursing home to see the neurologist. I feel she just won't get better unless her balance issues are treated with medication. What medications are given for balance issues? Just wondering if I could mention these to her family doctor to see if she can get some help. Just a year ago she was still working, and she is extremely depressed. The family has been scrambling to learn about stroke recovery and how to help her. Another issue she had was that her strokes weren't diagnosed properly until months after they happened. Anyway, I would appreciate any help or information regarding medication for balance issues. Thank you so much! Blessings, Melissa

2 Responses
Toni avatar
Toni

Hi Melissa, I noticed your user name says International so assume you're o/seas so not sure if what I recommend is possible. I would be looking for a second opinion, speak to your family doctor to see what they can do/ recommend or ringing around to get into another neurologist so that your mum is seen earlier rather than laetr. 
My stroke occurred in the cerebellum and I had some balance issues but nowhere near the severity of what you're describing.  I was never medicated I attended physio sessions and then had exercises to do at home. Five years on and I still do those exercises. 
You've come to the right spot to get information as both the Stroke Foundation                                    ( https://strokefoundation.org.au/ ) and enable me have so much to offer. 
Best wishes to you and your family, Toni

StrokeLine avatar
StrokeLine

Hi Melissa,

I am sorry to hear of your mum’s strokes, and her sudden deterioration in function. Many stroke survivors will have difficulty with balance which can result in problems doing day-to-day activities, such as walking.

Balance is very complex and involves many different parts of the body, including ears, eyes, and the muscles, including the sensors within them. As a result there are a number of different reasons why your mum may be having difficulty with her balance, including muscle weakness on one side of the body, loss of sensation, injury to the area of the brain that controls balance (cerebellum or brainstem), dizziness or vertigo, perceptual problems, ataxia (clumsy, uncoordinated movements), medication side effects or other medical conditions. See here for more information about balance problems after stroke.

If your mum is already linked in with a physiotherapist, have a chat with them about the possible causes of her balance issues. They can provide a management plan in relation to treating the balance issues, which may include positioning, retraining exercises, equipment and compensation. The Stroke Clinical Guidelines recommend task specific and tailored repetitive practice while standing or walking, in addition to visual and auditory feedback to help treat balance. You should also talk to your mum’s physiotherapist about how she is best to access an external appointment, so that she can get to the neurologist. The physiotherapist will be able to advise on whether she can transfer into a wheelchair to get to the appointment and what the best mode of transport for her is.

Your mum’s GP or a neurologist is the best person to advise on the medical management of your mum’s balance issues, including medications. Speak to your mum’s GP initially and they may refer her onto the neurologist for specialist follow up. If you are not happy with your mum’s current neurologist, as Toni mentioned you can always obtain a second opinion through another neurologist. Speak to your mum’s GP to obtain a referral.   

In relation to your mum’s mood, low mood post stroke is also common, as people are adjusting to new abilities and changed circumstances. It is important that your mum seek some support for her mood. She should chat to her GP for a management plan, which may include medications to help control mood and/or a referral to a psychologist.   

If you have any further questions please feel free to get in contact with StrokeLine at strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au or 1800 787 653 (Australian free call number)   

Regards,

Jessica (StrokeLine) 

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