Talk to Internal Medicine on Sudden Jerks Or Imbalance, Especially When He Stands Up From A Sitting Position. It Feels As If He Might Fall
Asking for Father, Male, 66 years old, Dera Ismail Khan
My father is 66 years old. He has recently been experiencing sudden jerks or imbalance, especially when he stands up from a sitting position. It feels as if he might fall, though he manages to control himself. Sometimes he also feels a brief numbness or heaviness in his hand.
His blood pressure and cardiac checkups have been normal. There is no known heart or diabetes issue.
Could you please guide us on:
1. What might be the possible reason for such sudden imbalance or jerking movements?
2. Should we get any specific neurological tests or brain scans done?
3. Would you recommend a vitamin deficiency test or nerve conduction study?
4. Is this more likely related to nerve weakness, inner ear/balance issue, or any neurological disorder?
5. What precautions or initial management can we follow at home until we visit your clinic?
Thank you in advance.
Dr. Muhammad Ramzan - Internal Medicine Specialist
MBBS, FCPS Medicine Consultant Physician | Multan
fall on one side always??
nausea?? vomiting
co morbid??
Dr. Sufia Majeed - Internal Medicine Specialist
MBBS, MRCP Medicine, FCPS Medicine | Lahore
If he has tremor as well visit a doctor for complete examination that will point to the right direction
Dr. Syed Zohaib Maqbool - Internal Medicine Specialist
MBBS. FCPS Medicine | Lahore
23 Positive Reviews
There could be different reasons for this e.g., peripheral neuropathy (can be due to multiple reasons), or spinal cord disease (like cervical myelopathy etc), or central nervous system causes (like Parkinson’s, early dementia, stroke etc). I would advise that you get evaluated by a neurologist in the first instance - he will take a complete history, do a full neurological examination, do blood tests (like CBC, ESR, LFTs, RFTs, TSH, Electrolytes, Vitamin profile, HBA1c, rule out chronic infections like hepatitis, syphilis etc). After that depending upon the history, physical examination and initial blood tests - if needed he might get a brain scan (if central causes are deemed more likely), or an MRI of the spine (if spinal cord issue suspected) or an NCS/EMG (if peripheral nervous disease suspected); but all of this has to decided by a neurologist after complete history and examination of the patient. In the meantime regarding precautions:- fall-proof your father’s surroundings as much as possible e.g., remove mats/rugs that are not fixed (fall hazard), avoid slippery tiles/floors, install grab bars/railings in toilets/stairs, remove clutter from the ground, advise him to stand up slowly and take his time while sitting up and standing, use a cane or walker if needed, start physiotherapy for leg/thigh/back/arms muscle strengthening, use good footwear, ensure adequate sleep and good nutrition.
Dr. Ashok Kumar - Internal Medicine Specialist
MBBS, MCPS (TB & Chest Diseases), FCPS (Medicine) | Karachi
6 Positive Reviews
Please see some neurologist in your area. He may need MRI brain!
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