Dealing with Ataxia and Parkinsonism.

[ddmagee1]

Having balance issues, falls, tremors, cogwheel rigidity, and various other symptoms, over the last five years has been difficult and frustrating for me, when I feel that I don't get much support, as these issues are becoming progressively worse. The Ataxia and PD forums have been very helpful, because others with these ailments truly understand the difficulties one can face, on a daily basis. For example, I only see the neurologist and GP doctor's a couple times a year, for just a short time, so there really isn't a lot of interreaction, on how to deal with and cope with these ailments. Thanks again to all, who have been so helpful, in sharing their personal stories and giving good advice to others, who have been diagnosed with Ataxia, Parkinsonism, and/or PD.

[Dsg3]

I don't know what ataxia is but as someone with pd, I can relate to ur frustration. I'm changing my neurologist bcuz she doesn't think vertigo is pd related and she's full of BS. I have severe vertigo and it affects my ability to do nearly everything, daily. It's important to have the correct Dr.

[ddmagee1 in reply to Dsg3]

An ataxia diagnosis, sometimes refers to an Ataxic gait and balance issues, plus other symptomologies. Oftentimes, it is associated with another named disease process. I am unable to walk a straight line, and have fallen numerous times, over the last five years, which has caused concussion and blunt force trauma a couple times, So, balance issues can be a part of a PD diagnosis, in my opinion. With an ailment, such as PD, which is hard to diagnose, I would recommend seeing another neurologist for a second opinion, especially if you are displeased with your current one, or are not getting help. A few years ago, I was misdiagnosed by a neurologist, and I'm glad I went to another one!

[Dsg3 in reply to ddmagee1]

Maybe I have ataxia along with pd. I also have fallen and sprained my foot, have balance issues and can't walk properly. I'm trying to get a different Dr...it takes time for approval. How does a Dr diagnose ataxia?

[jerrilyn in reply to Dsg3]

I too have vertigo

[ddmagee1]

Mainly they check a person's gait, the way they walk, for a diagnosis of Ataxia, to start with. History and a medical exam by a professional physician is needed, of course.

[ramondo4 in reply to ddmagee1]

Balance and walking are my biggest problem and my neurologist said very little can be done to help with balance isues, I live in the UK. only get to see him twice a year.

[M_rosew in reply to ramondo4]

You need to be well prepared with details of your condition since previous visit + questions to ask. As you are in UK ask your Neurologist to refer you for Physiotherapy which can be helpful. Have a look at 'Parkinsons NHS Choices', and 'Parkinsons U.K.'

[Rhollywood]

Hi first post for me here but this will hopefully help you. For your balance issue look into a wobble board; it's a small circle you stand on with a ball on the bottom so you need to shift your body to keep balance...start off both feet on for one minute then build up to 2, 3, 4 etc minute. Do this two or three times a day; apologies I am unsure if your age but there are modifications you can make to make this more challenging. For the rigidity and tremors get a foam roller and work in your neck and back. Loads on YouTube but for neck lie down on your back with roller under your neck and move your head left then right slowly and repeat. There is a muscle in your neck called sternacloidamastoid that you may need to release with this exercise as it can affect balance, a sign this may be involved is a sense of fullness in tour ear. Also try taking 400mg magnesium daily as a supplement but not magnesium oxide; if is a muscle relaxant that may help although of course it's not a medicine so will take a while to start working. Hope you find this useful thanks

[ddmagee1 in reply to Rhollywood]

Rhollywood, thanks so much for your kind suggestions! I will try all your suggestions. I believe in doing everything I can to help myself.

[Rhollywood]

No probs also make sure you exercise or do so something physical each day eg fast walking or stationary bike for 20-30 minutes; if you are struggling to look for any of the info on YouTube drop me a message and I'll send you some clips. You may also want to do a bit of research into supplementing with nicotine via a nicotine patch; check out info on Dr Villers in France plus a few clinical trials going on at the moment so plenty of info; again any questions drop me a message cheers