[Eytch]

Hi, I am a new member and I have a few questions. I have been falling a lot lately. It was ok at first just embarrassing. Now I have fallen 3 times in the last few weeks and tore my right rotator cuff and next broke my left arm. It is starting to scare me. The falls come out of nowhere. I am walking and then I am down. I can't catch myself because it is like my legs aren't there. I also have RLS that is severe and muscle pain. The last strange symptom is when I am falling asleep my brain has these electric shocks that happen for 20 or 30 minutes. Has anyone else had symptoms like these. I am a nurse and know not to google but so far everything is saying ALS. I am going crazy and don't see neuro till the 15th. Thanks

[Kitt]

Welcome Eytch.

[mrsD]

You need to get your B12 measured, and get the results (not "normal" but the real numbers)

Low B12 impairs the spinal cord, and eventually the signals are lost and maybe forever--called combined degeneration of the spinal cord).

Your test should be at least 400pg/ml... not the old outdated range that goes down to 200.

This is quite common. Here is a sobering video of a few various people (including one doctor who almost died because of low B12).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvEizypoyO0

This is our B12 informational thread:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread85103.html

[Lara]

Hello Eytch,

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

I'm sorry to read that you have injured yourself falling.

I wondered if you have any other sensations when you fall. Do you have any dizziness at all beforehand or do you feel faint at all?

Do you have any ear problems?

Have you had any blood tests recently to test if you're anaemic?

Is your BP fine?

Are you currently taking any medications or have you been on any medications recently and they've been ceased. I know that some medications like Paxil can cause electric shocks (or zaps as they're commonly called) when withdrawing. Maybe not related but just thought I'd ask.

Sorry for all the questions, but they're just things to consider before you worry yourself sick that you might have ALS.

I hope you get some answers when you see your Neuro on the 15th. It's difficult waiting and worrying but at least that is not too far away.

take care.

[Darlene]

Hello and welcome, happy to see you have come to be with us, it a great place to be. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, where you have find a supportive and relaxing place. Have fun looking into the different forums. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene