If there is any suspicion pf Parkinson's, it would be best to try to find a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. Parkinson's is hard to diagnose in early stages, and general neurologists often don't spot it.
Take your husband to the doctor, at any age, if he is falling over.
This symptom is uncommon and not for you to diagnose. We can only guess or tell you what has happened with those we are caregiving.
In the meantime, the husband should not be using a chainsaw. Make sure all dangerous tools are stolen, imo, because he may have Anosognosia. Meaning he may not know or accept there is anything wrong with him.
When was his last exam? You might request that a doctor examine his gait. Maybe see a specialist in Movement Disorders. Say, for example, in Parkinson's, the person may lean forward, (word for it is gait festination) when walking, but it may come and go. Gait festination is one of the most characteristic gait disturbances in patients with Parkinson’s disease or atypical parkinsonism. It looks like rushing, hurrying, leaning forward-in one patient I had observed.
You were right to ask. Often it is only the wife who can see the symptoms. Good job!
Disclaimer: I am not an expert, and not saying your husband has Parkinson's.
Thanks for your help. My husband is very aware of this problem. We have see his GP and are waiting for the results of an MRI to determine next steps. GP mentioned neurology and/or orthopedics. I will continue to monitor his use of tools.
My husband is 80 years old. He has only recently started using a trekking pole, sometimes. He has no physical or mental issues, other than this. He is still able to use his chainsaw to cut trees in the yard, an activity I am not thrilled about. Thanks for responding.
S, it looks like you may be new here. When you ask us a question give us a bit of detail, if indeed it is a question. Fill in your profile for us so we can see who you are doing caregiving for. From the little you tell us it sounds like osteoporosis with the curvature of the spine that comes with it, along with poor balance. The best thing now is a trip to the doctor and request diagnosis and physical therapy consult. Attend therapy sessions and ask if one of those walkers that have higher arm rests might encourage a bit of straightening of the spine, but if my mini-diagnosis is correct this may be a permanent condition. Wishing you luck.
SHolbrook, we really need more information from you, such as the age of the person and what is that person's medical history. Is the person using a cane or a walker?
I remember back when my Mom was using a cane, I noticed she was starting to hunch over. One could see it when she walked without her cane. My Dad used a walker and he never had that problem.
Best of luck getting to the bottom of this matter asap!
My mom was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease by a number of symptoms. Struggling to balance herself was one of the symptoms.
A thorough examination by a neurologist can determine whether or not Parkinson’s disease is a possibility
Best wishes to you.
Fainting
Parkinson's
Stroke, mini-stroke
Take your husband to the doctor, at any age, if he is falling over.
This symptom is uncommon and not for you to diagnose.
We can only guess or tell you what has happened with those we are caregiving.
In the meantime, the husband should not be using a chainsaw.
Make sure all dangerous tools are stolen, imo, because he may have Anosognosia. Meaning he may not know or accept there is anything wrong with him.
When was his last exam? You might request that a doctor examine his gait.
Maybe see a specialist in Movement Disorders.
Say, for example, in Parkinson's, the person may lean forward, (word for it is gait festination) when walking, but it may come and go. Gait festination is one of the most characteristic gait disturbances in patients with Parkinson’s disease or atypical parkinsonism. It looks like rushing, hurrying, leaning forward-in one patient I had observed.
You were right to ask. Often it is only the wife who can see the symptoms.
Good job!
Disclaimer: I am not an expert, and not saying your husband has Parkinson's.
Thanks for responding.
From the little you tell us it sounds like osteoporosis with the curvature of the spine that comes with it, along with poor balance. The best thing now is a trip to the doctor and request diagnosis and physical therapy consult. Attend therapy sessions and ask if one of those walkers that have higher arm rests might encourage a bit of straightening of the spine, but if my mini-diagnosis is correct this may be a permanent condition.
Wishing you luck.
I remember back when my Mom was using a cane, I noticed she was starting to hunch over. One could see it when she walked without her cane. My Dad used a walker and he never had that problem.