So, maybe the gait problems were from the spasticity?

I had problems walking earlier this summer when I had some serious problems with spasticity and numbness. The walking seemed better from taking some extra baclofen then.

Sometimes I feel really off balance, but it's not quite vertigo. Vertigo always feels like it's coming from my head/ears. When I was really off balance last week, literally walking into walls, that didnt feel like it was coming from my head/ears. It felt like it was coming from my arms and legs. Like I wasnt coordinating my movements very well. Like my arms and legs were not sure of where they were going and someone was pulling me in different directions every time I get up to walk across a room.

So, I think balance issues arent always from vertigo. It might come from some weird incoordination in the rest of the body. Vertigo feels worse...It's all you can focus on when you have it.

The incoordination problems seemed to be ok if I was sitting down and not moving around much. I didnt focus on it much unless I was walking around and faceplanting myself into the drywall. (we're having work done in our house right now. I keep falling into the wall in my bathroom, which still needs to be painted. Keep getting drywall dust on my clothes)

That makes sense to me Erin. Thank you for posting and helping me think thru this med issue/stuff. I have had severe vertigo off/on for days on end then it will go away for a day/two- come back again. Sometimes it is exactly what you described- 'not vertigo'- but balance problem. Totally!!!!

So can relate falling into things, running into walls, everything possible. This summer I've been to outpatient due to two bad falls- fear of broken ribs/ankle/foot. That does not include all the other falls/crashes that have occurred daily.

You I will say are the winner for best prize of landing with a fall!!! Nothing could top falling into fresh drywall!! That would really stink! But you have the right idea about it- you have a great sense of humor. My DH keeps telling me to wake up - he means- 'get with the fun program'- 'let loose about it all'- and I'm slowly learning to do it. Some days are better than other days.

Today my DH came home early and took me out for lunch. The best thing next to him doing that- I felt good today- but I limited what I did so I wouldn't tire early. Need to save reserved energy for tonight with family.

Thinking of you with the drywall and paint project. Been there- continue to always be in process of doing that. Wonder when my home will ever get finished?

hugs

Coffeegirl

Unpainted drywall is so...dusty!

And both times I've fallen into it have been when I'm wearing a black t-shirt...and black shorts. I end up looking like I was attacked by a horde of powdered donuts!

At least I havent hit it hard enough to damage it. The contractor would be really peeved if I did. I dont think I'll hurt it tho, he's got huge pieces of 2x4's behind that drywall that he used to reinforce it for when I get grab bars in my bathroom. (two outside the shower, 3 inside the shower)

He's on vacation right now, so I just have to keep trying not to crash into the walls. Then when we get everything painted, I'll have to be really careful. I dont want wet paint on my clothes. It's a lot tougher to get paint off my clothes than drywall dust.

Hi

I know that this thread has not been used for some time, but I feel that it is important to recognise that in my patients (all anxiety-related alcoholism), high-dose Baclofen can actually cause vertigo in a small number of patients.

I take 140mg's/day every day. Swam 1600 laps in my pool so far this year. I forgot to take my morning 40mg's once & you don't want to know how bad my spasms were. Scary the way I get them even taking 7 20mg's a day.
I'd be dead without them. edit- Baclofen. We get along well.

My thinking has always been that Lioresel/baclofin had to build up in your system to a theraputic dose and then maintain that dose forever.. I was a built up to dose of Liorisel for about a month, then brought myself down off of it.

My spastisity had lessened some and was no longer a major SX that I could not manage, with exercise/stretching. I never went back on it and would not, because it made me feel loopy, weak and tired.

For those of who it helps, there is no better med and I am so glad it works for you.