Balance problems, off balance all the time

Question

I have had problems with balance for 6 years now. I was diagnosed with GAD, generalized anxiety disorder, after being very ill from exposure to Lacquer fumes and dust. The anxiety subsided and , in my view, been successfully treated. I have had only 2 panic attacks (ealry on) and since then have gotten my anxiety in check to the point to were it is down to nothing. My problem is that I am unsteady every day, all day, all the time. I cannot tell if it is psychosematic (all in my head). Fatigue and stress increase the sensation. I have seen a cardiologist, Optomotrist, ENT, my Nuerologist twice, MRI, X-ray and CT scan all with normal results. I had an endoscopical and laposcopal exam directly following the reporting of my illness to my doctor (results were inflammed stomach and esophogus). My mind is almost always cloudy and my eyes have trouble focusing some times. I continually manage my stress but not perfect by any means. I have been thouroghly tested, bloodwork, etc. I cannot understand why this keeps up. I am in construction, remodeling and such, and I run my own business. Lately I have noticed some depression with the balance problem and my motivation level is dropping on a consitant basis. I have tried 9 different medications, anti-depressents and anti anxiety drugs, in which all had medium to severe side effects and I have to stop taking them. The only medication that has a positive effect so far is Zanax (relaxes me). I do not take it often but I have noticed that it does not conter the off balance feelings anymore . I exercise regularly and eat a fairly good diet I could eat more greens for sure). My question is--- What is it and how do I get rid of it?

Answer 1

I agree with the poster that said to check you ears, in 2005, i had unexplained dizziness that would come and go, it was horrible, i had to be taken to the hospital, i had vestibular neuronitis (vertigo) caused by an inner ear infection.  so go and have your ears checked and ask your doctor about vertigo.  It leaves as quickly as it comes in most cases.  But it's very scary and can cause hearing loss if left untreated so please go asap.  

Answer 2

get your vitamin b-12 checked,I had the same experience and after much reaserch we figured it out and my b-12 was very low. Since i got it straightened out no more being off balance or falling down.

Answer 3

With all the exams and procedures you've been through, has anyone thought to check your ears? I realize on first glance, this sounds like a silly question, but the inner ear is actually responsible for a good portion of your sense of balance. It's referred to as "vestibular balance," and I've included a link to some information on that for you. It could be a combination of that and something else you've been tested for.

Also, if you have problems with your toes, that could be contributing, but mainly with the balance issue and not necessarily any of the rest.

I realize the stigma attached to "new age" music might put you off, but there is a lot out there that is actually worth listening to. I'm not sure what music you're into, but I find Jango is a good spot to try music without downloading it first. Try starting with Enigma, and check the suggested groups until you find something you like. I only bring this up to suggest you try it for combating the anxiety. I used to have a collection (multiple genres, not JUST new age...) that had music to take me from whatever state of mind I was in to whatever state I wanted/needed to be in.