Thanks - fortuneatly still big and ugly enough to hold my own. Its always strange when you see peoples attitudes to disabled people. I was in a well known burger bar chain walking towards an empty table, walking stick in left hand and holding a tray in the other. A mother shouted to her kids to run and grab the table I was walking towards. She still didn't get it when another customer pointed out what she had just done - theres no hope for some people

Dear Starr,
I have a severe gait problem so i can relate with you. My family is always trying to get me to walk with my legs closed and it's hard. The best advice I can give you is to look forward when you walk and don't look at your feet.

Thanks bunny for the suggestion. However, looking at my feet is not the problem. I'm always looking 6-12 ft ahead to watch for changes in terrain and things that will trip me up. I wish it was that simple.
Starr

Starr,

I was just diagnosed with Ataxia in relation to my gait, balance and vertigo issues. I haven't learned a whole lot yet but at least I have a reason for it and will continue to learn more.

I was supposed to have a vestibular therapy assessment done today, but after a few basic tests, the physio decided that it was pointless to continue with the vestibular testing until we address the gait issues.

She could not believe that at 6 months following my accident it had never been suggested that I should be using an assistive device (cane, walker). But really, until my brain injury rehab clinic appointment a few weeks ago, I wasn't really that aware of what an issue my gait was.

The physio felt that my family doc really dropped the ball, but whatever. So now I have a cane that I'm to use every time I leave the house (she said it wasn't as necessary to use it inside) and hopefully the cane will provide enough stability that I will be able to slower adjust to have a narrower stance.

She's given me a bunch of exercises to work on and feels that in 3 weeks my gait should be quite improved with using the cane and by doing the exercises.

Then, if its improved at my next appointment she will try to do the vestibular assessment then.

I do feel more stable using the cane... I can only use it in my left hand, if I try it with my right, I can't seem to coordinate it with my left leg. Since its not for an orthopedic injury, she wants me to practice using it on both sides, so neither side gets too dependent on it. So I will have to work at coordinating my right hand and left leg.

The physio feels that much of the gait issue could've been avoided had someone got me using a walker early on after my fall. She said its harder to retrain to walk than it is to intervene early and prevent such issues.

Overall, I was happy enough with the appointment, this physio deals only with vestibular issues and brain injury rehab patients, mostly in a hospital setting and has for about 20 years.

Best part was not having to do the vestibular assessment that they warned me might make me feel sick and possibly vomit
Starr

Seems like some positive news that there is a plan to address the symptoms one by one.

Don't worry about the cane - I was the same at first its surprisingly difficult to use initially but you soon get used to it and in my case the embarassment of using it.

I am 4 years post TBI and have a hard time with my gait and balance. I go to balance therapy 3 days a week, but my gait has not been helped. I also notice that I become "off balance" when walking between people or things, something just throws me for a loop. I still feel that I have to choose where to put my foot and do not "automatically" walk like I did before the TBI. This past week end, my husband and I went to the UA campus to see the Tide play. I was worn out from walking, not physically, but mentally. HELP! If your therapist has given you exercises that assist you in correcting your gait, please post them or recommend a web site. Thanks, janieruth