Balancing Act

[Palioly]

For several years now I had balance problems as a 76 year old, otherwise fit and reasonably healthy, male.

Basically it is as if I'd drunk about 2/3rds. of a bottle of wine - dizziness without the alcoholic benefits ! I feel dizzy only when I'm walking - no problem when sitting down or lying in bed at night. It started several years back when I was still a competitive runner; but now I can't even run straight, and walking in a straight line needs a lot of concentration, aided by a stick. If I swing around quickly it is sometimes much worse. I'm most stable when I have the Common Cold, and am more stable late at night, 9pm onwards, and least stable getting out of bed mornings.

Variously it has been described by Consultants as B.P.P.V. or sometimes Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness. Hearing is OK in both ears, and I've been tested by ENT and Balance Consultants. I'm told the Epley Manoeuvre is not appropriate. The latest Consultant has suggested I try a certain Anti-depressant, but I'm awfully hesitant about that.

It has become a real hazard for me, especially when walking around town, and when travelling, both of which I have had to limit severely.

Any thoughts or suggestions about where or what I should try next ?

Dan.

[UK_bloke]

I've no experience, first or second hand, of what you've described. But I share your reservation about the anti-depressant suggestion and would want to know the consultant's reasoning for it, if any. An 'alternative therapy' you might want to consider is the Feldenkrais method, which works with posture generally but not within the conventional medical model. Google Feldenkrais guild uk to find a practitioner.

[richlandfarmboy]

Have you had a heavy metals check. Namely mercury and lead. I had the same issues and the culprit turned out to be a mercury level that was off the charts. Three months after starting Chelation treatments, my balanced improved significantly. So much for the self appointed experts from the FDA that mercury causes no problems. Good luck. If you have had mercury fillings in your teeth for decades, its highly possible that's were it came from.