Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

Big Spaces

Sherie
Sherie
It seems whenever I go into big spaces, with high cielings, like Wal-mart, or a grocery store, I get of balance, it feels like I'm going to fall, and I get dizzy. I have never had a fear of hieghts, and this last fall, I went to the Savemart Center (a large stadium) to see the Women of Faith, and was seated up top in the stadium and totally freaked out, I had to covor my eyes so I couldn't see the top of the stadium because it threw off my balance! Luckily we were moved to the bottom. This is still happening, I was coming out of the post office the other day, and had to covor the top of my eyes to be able to walk down the stairs as the view threw off my balance, there is only about 10 steps leading down to the sidewalk! I don't know what's going on. Does anyone have any answers or suggestions???
deleted_user
deleted_user
All of those situations can cause changes in proprioception -- your ability to sense where your body is in space. When you're in places with a lot of people or "things", at the top of stairs (even if there's just a few), etc. your brain, eyes, and inner ear all work hard to tell the rest of you where your arms and legs are in relation to your trunk.

This has served us well all our lives, and has kept us upright -- until MS made its debut. Depending on where the demyelination is in your body, your brain might not be able to send a message to tell your legs to start the movement sequence necessary in order to step down a stair. Also, numbness in your feet can make it hard for your feet to tell your brain, "OK, I'm on a stair, what next?" You get wobbly, and feel like you're going to topple over. This can also happen when you change surfaces (like going from gravel to pavement, or carpet to tile), and when there's lots of stimulation around you that's competing for your attention. As with so many other things, fatigue makes it worse.

Physical therapy can help with balance, and mobility aids like canes work to give you a third "leg" that essentially transmits sensation to your hands to "feel" where you're walking when your feet and legs are too numb to do the job. You're not alone with this. Stay safe and focused when you're out and about to avoid falls. Hang in there.

-Karen
Sherie
Sherie
Thank you Karen! I thought I was just going crazy or imagining it! This really helps and I should report to my doc!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've had that same thing happen. I'm ok walking down the hall at work, but when I get to the open area it seems like I have to think about walking. I've had that happen at the grocery store too. I thought it was just me. Thanks for that tip. It's nice to know I'm not crazy.
Eloise
Eloise
Yes, I have similar reactions, especially where heights are concerned. I really have a hard time going down escalators and I now use the hand rails nearly every time I go down steps. Oh, I can so relate to feeling off balance.

I get dizzy looking down and looking up in a room where the ceiling is quite high. I can even get dizzy looking at a scene on TV that is high (like the Grand Canyon or a really tall building).

My solution is to wear shoes that I feel secure in, use hand rails or elevators, avoid the 'down' escalators, and try not to look down when I am in a 'height' situation. I also try to make sure that if I am in a stadium or gymnasium or auditorium that I am seating on a lower level. I guess these are simple modifications, but so far that is all I have needed to do and I hope that I don't need to do more in the future. Time will tell. I do know how you feel, especially about 'freaking out' (or feeling like you would) in the stadium!

My best...

Eloise