My 80-year-old mother says she feels off balance, has trouble walking and has fallen a few times. Does anyone have any idea what is causing this?

Orthopedic doctor, or neurologist.

Have an X-ray done of her back.

If she has issues with any bone beginning to interfere with her spine cord she could have loss of motor control in her legs.

This is one of many spinal problems my Mom has.

Shawn, by chance did your Mother get new eyeglass lenses? If she still has her old glasses have her try them and see if that makes her feel better.   Just a thought.

My Mom had issues with feeling off balance. For her, taking antihistamines seem to help, so apparently it was allergy related. I would first check with your Mother primary doctor before taking any over-the-counter allergy relief . Since it is April, tree pollen is usually at an all time high.

We can sit at our computers all day and speculate but the only answer will come from the Drs and maybe not even then. "Things" happen as were age. Start with the PCP and follow any advice for further testing or referrals. My first thought would be a neurologist. In the meantime get her a walker with front wheels and strongly encourage her to use it

I would try and seek a second and third medical opinion. I know it can be a lot of things but maybe they need to review her meds? new side effect? low blood pressure? is she having mini strokes?

Sorry Shawn. I know you are doing the best you can for your mom. And sometimes it feels like you are trying to find a needle in a hay stack. I hope you are able to get to the bottom of this issue for your mom.

Hello Shawn,
I would suggest blood work to rule out MDS (see link: http://www.mds-foundation.org/what-is-mds/). My mother fell twice before a rehab doctor diagnosed her with MDS. Her red blood cells would die off and cause her to fall. My mother said she never felt dizzy before falling. She had to be treated with blood transfusions, iron infusions (when needed) and a Procrit Rx. I wish you all the best in helping your mom to figure this out.
Regards,
Donna

Has she been evaluated by a neurologist for a silent stroke also known as TIA? My mother suffered balance and walking problems right after a TIA hit her brain.

Have the ruled out normal pressure Hydrocephalus? Has she been evaluated for Parkinsons? I think a good neurologist would be the place to start.

I had a problem of feeling of balance and through my HMO I found that physical therapy could help that. Also I read of statins causing dizziness in elderly people and asked my Dr. about that and stopped taking my cholesterol med and my dizziness subsided.

Hi Shawn,

My mother had the same symptoms. I took her to an ear specialist where they found that the "crystals" in her ear were out of place and wrote a prescription for specialized physical therapy.  The therapist performed the Epley Maneuver which helped her dizziness immediately.

Wishing you the best on your journey to help her.
Kit