I am unable to walk steadily, and my legs become heavy soon after standing. Please help.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am 76 years old. For the past two years, I am unable to walk steadily. I do not have vertigo. While sitting down, I do not have any problem. Within seconds after standing up, I feel my legs become heavy and difficult to walk. If I try to veer sideways abruptly, I feel like I am going to fall down, and I have to find something or somebody to hold. Recently, I had a CT scan of the brain. The radiologist diagnosed that I have cerebral atrophy. I am house-ridden but not yet bedridden. My elder brother, who is 82 years old, had problems. A neurologist prescribed him Syndopa 110, half a tablet thrice a day.
What should I do? Longevity is not my aim. The improved movement inside my spacious house is what I desire and hope for. I am not a diabetic. Eight years back, I had an aortic valve replaced with a tissue valve. I cannot have an MRI scan because even though the valve is a tissue, it is attached to my heart with metal sutures. My serum creatinine level is 1.7. I take 1.5 mg Restyl tablet every night to get sleep. Please advice.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern and explain that your symptoms could be related to brain atrophy or small vessel disease of the brain. I do not think that you have Parkinson's disease like your brother, so I do not think Syndopa (Levodopa and Carbidopa) will help you. Anyway, I recommend consulting a neurologist for a careful physical examination in order to investigate any possible neurological signs. A nerve conduction study for neuropathy may be needed. Vitamin B12 and vitamin E levels for possible deficiency should be checked too.
I hope it would have been helpful. I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need it. Kind regards.
The Probable causes
Differential diagnosis
Patient's Query
Thank you, doctor.
I am particularly happy that I need not start taking Syndopa 110. I am attaching a report of the nerve conduction test that had been done. I blame my senility for not attaching the file earlier. Are there any medicine to treat vitamin B12 and vitamin E deficiency? It is your prerogative to give or not to give further advice.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Mild sensory neuropathy that is present in your tests can exacerbate the situation, but it does not explain your situation. That is why it is necessary to check vitamin B12 and vitamin E plasma levels. Supplements of these vitamins can help improve your situation in case of deficiency.
I hope to have been helpful. If you have any other questions, let me know about everything. Best regards.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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