My father is 83 and is in excellent health except for the fact that he is becoming increasingly unsteady on his feet. He walks with the gait of an intoxicated person and frequently has fallen as a result. This is such a cause of embarrassment to him that he will not go out of the house any longer. He has no pain in his legs or no symptoms of arthritis. This has been getting progressively worse over the past several years and now, because he is housebound he is getting depressed and concerned he will become and invalid. All his life he has suffered with mild vertigo and ringing in his ears.Could his symptoms indicate an inner ear problem. Is there any help available? Thank you for considering my question.
Reply: ----------------
While it is impossible for me to diagnose your fathers problem, the symptoms you have described could be related to an inner ear or a neurologic problem. I would strongly recommend a consultation with either an otolaryngologist (ENT) or a neurologist.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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