Stroke/dizziness/imbalance - Stroke Message Board

flyingeagle · 01-11-2001, 04:07 AM

HELP! This is a 1st posting. I am desperatly in need of info. Feb 1998 I suffered a heart attack and subsequent stroke during a "stent"
procedure. Recovery was good,regaining use of limbs except full control of left arm and slightly slurred speech. I took walks, went fishing and generally enjoyed life. Approx 1 yr later, I began having dizziness on rising & loss of balance. I was told this was "Stroke Residual" altho when sitting, laying flat or swimming on stomach there was no dizziness.

During the past 7 mo I cannot walk straight without a cane,holding a shoulder or a railing. KAT scans & MRIs show no change since stroke. A MD suggested inner ear and I took meds and PT with no help. Recent doctor's visits say "stroke residual"

How can this be "Stroke Residual" when probem is worse now and is Positional. Thank you for any related information.
CMS

cheliqua · 01-11-2001, 12:26 PM

Believe it or not, it can be a residual from your stroke. The clot which caused your stroke may have effected the area in your brain that controls balance. It is not that uncommon to have dizziness as you rise if this is the case. The reason you would not be dizzy while sitting, laying, or swimming is because you are not using your balance nerve near as much as you do when you stand. Hope this helps!

Cheliqua, RN

Pooky · 01-11-2001, 03:09 PM

You may want to try the balance bars/beems when you go to PT again.

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I had my stroke on September 8, 1999

Doreen · 01-12-2001, 04:20 PM

HI, My father has the same problem, he had a stroke August 1999, affected his balance we talked to a many of doctors saw ENT's thought it was his ears same answer it was the stroke that affected that part of the brain,really nothing you can do, went to physical therapy didn't really help much. P.S are you on any seizure medications Dad is and I think his balance is worse with all the meds. If you hear of anything to help the balance let me know.

JKevin · 01-12-2001, 10:02 PM

As has been posted, the dizziness is a result of the location of the brain affected by the stroke. I too had a stroke and the primary residual affect I feel is an occasional sensation of dizziness.

I believe it can improve over time, mine has.
Good luck.