Periodically, I fall uncontrollably (i.e., unable to catch myself) when I unknowingly trip on something or from routine movements. Something as normal as walking on level ground with or without a raised area, on a tile floor or carpet, or up & down stairs, have led to falling, after accidentally tripping. In the past, I would quickly react to this and catch myself. Now, it seems as if I can't control my body as much as I try to. Luckily, I have not gotten hurt. But, I fear that I will do so at some point. So now, I find myself looking down a lot, holding on railings or the wall and walking extra carefully to avoid any sudden and unexpected fall. This is terrifying and frustrating to say the least. The remarkable thing, though, is that I am very physically fit and active. Now, I am now 53 years old, but this has been happening (though rarely) since I was 30 years old. I have discussed this with different doctors but have not gotten any help or direction from any of them. They have generally suggested that it is vertigo. Unlike vertigo, though, the condition that I have described happens once in a while but when it does it is, in my view, more severe and more frightening. I am very worried about it and hope someone can help me with answers and direction. Thank you.

A few questions. Have you ever had an MRI concerning this problem? Also have you ever been referred to an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist before? The reason I ask about the ENT is several years ago I developed a severe inner ear infection and was hospitalized for several days because of it, but the weird thing is I didn't feel it at all in my ears. I only knew there was a problem because I started tripping and falling, and sadly it didn't ever stop. One thing that does help is just over the counter NON drowsy Dramamine. Chances are you've already seen an ENT. Just a thought.

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Hi ChiL

Welcome to the NT forum. Hopefully others will come along and help with suggestions as to a possible cause.

From your description of symptoms one possibility could be a low Vit B12 level. I had numerous falls (along with other symptoms) up until 5 mths ago when I started supplementing with Methylcobalamin 1000 mg. Since starting I've only had one fall - like yours, mine were unexpected and sudden. There's a very comprehensive thread on B12 deficiency here:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread85103.html

It's long so read MrsD's posts for relevant info.
If you think this might be a possibility and want to get tested read the info about testing, results ranges, treatment etc before you do. Especially about what number is too low - get a printout of test results.
Hope you find some answers - let us know how you get on.

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk.

Some of what you have described in your post is what I experience with vertigo although there are many reasons why this could be happening to you especially since it's been happening so long. That is a very long time to go without knowing what is causing it.

Have you ever had any tests by ENT or Opthalmologist or Neurologist?

I'll leave a PDF regarding vestibular disorders that might help in figuring out whether that is what you're experiencing or not.

How Do I know I have a Balance Disorder- pdf
from Vestibular.org

There is a difference between feeling dizzy and having vertigo.

Causes of Dizziness - pdf
Includes definitions of dizziness, vertigo and disequilibrium, and spatial disorientation.

https://vestibular.org/about_balance
The blue paragraph headers on the paragraphs on this page contain more info if you click them.

[Some other things to think about below...

No spine problems?
Do you wear progressive lenses?
Any head injuries with or without concussion ever in the past?
Do you have Diabetes or numbness in feet?
Do you have an anxiety disorder or migraine?

Sorry - lots of questions. You don't have to answer them all. They're just things I thought would be good to rule out.