Functional balance disorder- how to get a diagnosis?!

[Grapple5]

Hi,

I have been told by several physios that I may have functional balance disorder. I am permanently on crutches at the moment and after a head injury in a car accident a few years ago I have been having problems with my balance. I lean over to my left when walking and look as if I’m going to fall to my left but never do...my question is, how do I get a proper diagnosis for this condition? And what things can I do to try and improve my situation?

I also have many other symptoms. I feel kind of lost that I have a problem that it very visible but no solid reason for it...if that makes sense?

Many thanks for reading

[Lucy-15]

Evening... what a tough time your having. Thought I’d try answer a few questions....

Depends on where you live? If in the UK we are fortunate to have a few FND specialists.

Two of these are Prof Mark Edwards based at St George’s hospital in Tooting, in London, whom I see. He has a new centre set up recently with new NHS. funding

The other is Prof Jon Stone I think based in Edinburgh. Both often post webinars on FND.hope.org that maybe of interest.

I think there is a centre near Bristol too. Others on here may know.

You can ask your GP or another neurologist maybe for a Referral.

Hope this is helpful. But do ask away as there are so many super friendly and understanding folk on here, all full of great tips and help. Even though we all tend to have some different symptoms too.

Maybe, if a Physio can arrange hydrotherapy that helped my left leg weakness/limp at the start.

Now , I find regularly floating, just moving or walking etc in a pool is helpful it tends to remind my legs what to do kinda ... and the jacuzzi helps my tense muscles / back too. Try ‘distracting’ yourself too,

Anything really, maybe listening to music whilst you walk, chatting away whilst you walk, look really carefully at every detail around you, tress etc....

All these things have helped me a little. Take care and stay strong.

[pickleweed]

See if your leaning to the left goes away temporarily when you are distracted by another task, such as throwing a ball to someone and catching it back, or carrying on a heated conversation. Massachusetts General Hospital might be able to help you.