Clumsy or sick?

[aristocatz]

For the past few weeks I've noticed that I've been more clumsy than usual. I am finding myself banging into doors, pantry shelves, a few minutes ago I turned around and banged my arm into the bathroom towel rack. I've felt a little off center on stairs at least once (but thought it was because my work bag was so heavy) and just...well clumsy lately. I don't think I'm dizzy really, I just feel like I haven't been a good judge of my area space.

I have had inner ear issues in the past (2 years ago with a bout of vertigo attacks due to an inner ear infection). Could this clumsiness be due to an inner ear issue or sinus issue or anything like that?

....or maybe I've just had a clumsy few weeks and I'm looking for excuses....

 

[turkeymama]

I get vertigo and have inner ear issues too. Sounds to me like that could be what it is. I've had mine last for several weeks before. It's a pain in the rear, but relatively harmless......unless of course you fall and injure yourself. That would be my luck.

Hope it gets better for you. Btw, last time I had a spell of vertigo, I took one motion sickness pill (otc Meclizine) and it helped.

 

[minkydog]

Could be inner ear or sinus. Are you having other symptoms? I guess I would look at how bothersome the clumsiness is. Is it just annoying or is it actually interfering with your life? Are you injuring yourself, as opposed to just minor bruises, little cuts, et al? I'd suggest if your worried about it, document your major and minor injuries for a couple weeks. If you see a trend, particularly if the symptoms are worsening, take you and your documentation to the doctor for a little eval.

 

[ontariomonkey]

It could be inner ear, sinus or neurological. If it dosn't pass, I would see a doctor.

 

[C.Ann]

It could be inner ear, sinus or neurological. If it dosn't pass, I would see a doctor.

Yes - any one of those three.. As someone else suggested, keep track of when these bouts occur - morning, afternoon, evening - are they worse at a particular time of the day - how you are feeling in general at the time they occur - etc.. If it continues for more than a week or so, you should probably get checked..

Have you started any new meds lately? Vitamins? Gone on a diet? Anything at all out of the ordinary? If so, write these things down as well..

Hopefully it will pass soon..

 

[Connieh]

Have you had your vision checked lately? Could be a problem with peripheral vision. Loss of depth perception.

 

[aristocatz]

Thank you all for your helpful info!

I did just get my vision checked about 2 weeks ago-nothing out of the ordinary going on with my sight.

I also just started Weight Watchers a few weeks ago & I started exercising, but I'm eating healthy & a variety of foods. Exercise is nothing over the top & I'm gradually getting into it. I was experiencing the "clumsiness" before I started Weight Watchers.

What concerns me most is a few years ago I had bouts of vertigo attacks (really severe ones-ended up in ER for the first two) & I went to a doctor and a neuro but no one could figure out anything wrong except for a possible link to an ear infection.

I've been reading up on Meniere's Disease & it seems to fit my profile. Has anyone heard of this?

 

[JerseyJanice]

I was going to ask if you could be pregnant. I was more clumsy than usual when I was expecting.

 

[Scurvy]

I was going to ask if you could be pregnant. I was more clumsy than usual when I was expecting.

That's what I was about to post also.

I do also tend to get really clumsy when I have a sinus infection or when I'm not sleeping well, but early on when I was pregnant I was like something out of a slapstick comedy - I walked into (or tripped over) everything.

 

[JerseyJanice]

That's what I was about to post also.

I do also tend to get really clumsy when I have a sinus infection or when I'm not sleeping well, but early on when I was pregnant I was like something out of a slapstick comedy - I walked into (or tripped over) everything.

Slapstick comedy! I haven't heard that term in a long time.

Every single one of my maternity shirts had stains down the front. I was so not used to having a belly, and everything I ate or drank wound up running down my chin and onto my clothes.

 

[aristocatz]

Just getting over my period so I'm definitely not pregnant!!

I do get sinus infections around this time of year, so it could be that...I just never notice myself more clumsy during past sinus infections.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Every time I am on here I encourage people to be seen by a Dr for weird stuff, especially when it comes to the head because it is so very hard to tell serious stuff from everyday stuff. That said my MIL is a retired RN from the head trauma unit I won't even tell you what she has to say about dizziness and/or clumsiness. From what she has told me in the past I would RUN to a Neurologist if I had your symptoms. So no-one says I don't practice what I preach I do absolutely get checked every time something weird happens to me even though I have weird migraine symptoms I never ever diagnose myself.... it's too easy to make a mistake and the stakes are too high. I'd much rather hear, "You're fine see you in a year" than hear, "We could have helped you if you'd only come in sooner"... but that's just me. According to my Neurologist at my last visit, anything that lasts longer than 1/2 hour should be checked out and it sounds like a reasonable rule of thumb so I'm sharing it.

Feel better soon.