Hi. I’m new to the group, trying to help my 70yo dad with what seems like a unique set of symptoms that have stumped the doctors he’s consulted and left him with a diagnosis of “neuropathy” but no explanation and no real/practical suggestions for moving forward or what type of care provider to seek.
Do you think the following fits a neuropathy profile?
-When he stands up he becomes wobbly. He basically shuffles and uses a cane.
-He can ride a bike just fine because he’s sitting.
-He can drive his corvette just fine, including head turning, because he’s sitting.
-No real pain to speak of. Occasional lower back.
-No cognitive decline.
-Scans don’t reveal anything obvious such as stroke.

The standing seems to be the problem.

Thanks for any guidance!

Welcome SMarieLittle. Someone will be along.

Hi. Thank you.

As I see it, if he has no burning/tingling then I don't feel it's neuropathy. Sounds like a stability issue from some reason, did he have a surgery and it would seem that Physical Therapy is in order, that's how I see it. He's only 70, and I have stability issues and I know they are from hip replacement and I'm early 80's..

I see my neighbor who is early 80's and he shuffles when he walks but no cane.

Oh I see you say no cognitive decline, I was just going to add my neighbor who shuffles is in early cognitive decline, I see it and his wife has made comments to that effect.

I'm no doctor but what you've described doesn't sound like neuropathy to me. Looks like a balance issue, maybe leg muscles are weak? Or, inner ear issue? Balance is a common problem in people over 65 , particularly those that are sedentary. Does your dad take meds that might be a central nervous system depressant?

Hi SMarieLittle

My thoughts on what tnthomas has suggested sound right.

Best wishes.

Thats a good question. He only takes a cholesterol reducer. He doesn't report any weakness in his legs or feet and that seems to be true since he can peddle a bicycle and manage the weight of a motorcycle. I don't know a ton about inner ear disease/infection, but I would think it would affect someone when they're sitting or standing, head turning, etc. For my dad it's simply the postural difference between sitting and standing so something must get pinched when stands?? I appreciate you taking the time to respond!

Reading that he probably takes a Statin, you say cholesterol reducer ... there is so much info on the danger of statin drugs....And we need cholesterol and perhaps his levels have gotten too low with the drug. I've been a supporter of Weston Price for years and here is a history of cholesterol and statins. Low levels of can also lead to dementia, our brains need cholesterol.

Dangers of Statin Drugs: What You Haven’t Been Told About Popular Cholesterol-Lowering Medicines - The Weston A. Price Foundation

@SMarieLittle, about cholesterol- that bike riding your dad's doing plus other exercise will help reduce cholesterol. That plus some dietary changes:

Limit foods with cholesterol. ...
Eat plenty of soluble fiber. ...
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. ...
Eat fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. ...
Limit salt. ...
Limit alcohol

Worked for me.