Balance is such a complicated symptom in Parkinson’s for both patients and physicians.
Balance is multifactorial and can have influences from across your body. It is often difficult to describe or put into words. I notice some patients will even say “dizziness” but are not actually lightheaded.
Parkinson’s classic gait appearance is described as stooped, shuffling, slow, freezing, and delayed or absent postural reflexes causing imbalance. But we must keep in mind other factors that influence your balance and not blame Parkinson’s for everything. This includes inner ear disease, prior strokes or brain injuries, peripheral nerve damage (neuropathy), medications, lightheadedness, and many more.
My best advice to approaching balance and its treatment is to recognize these other factors could be at play besides Parkinson’s.
Medications for improving “balance” in Parkinson’s can sometimes be less reliable when compared to other motor symptoms, so I must underscore the importance of maintaining healthy weight, building core strength, regularly exercising, and utilizing physical therapy.
Be sure to use our local resources at CAPS to help find the right physical therapist and exercise groups are right for you!
Erik Krause, DO, is a neurologist with Ascension Medical Group Seton Neurology in Austin, TX. Dr. Krause is board-certified in Neurology with additional fellowship training and specialized care for patients with movement disorders. He provides care for patients with Parkinson’s disease, tremor, myoclonus, dystonia, Huntington’s disease, tics, and ataxia. He is trained in deep brain stimulation (DBS) programming and botulinum toxin injections. When not caring for patients, Dr. Krause enjoys traveling, exercising, sports, and spending time with family.