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What Causes Sudden Weakening Of Leg And Hip Muscles After Walking?
Question: My father- in-law XXXXXXX age 83, avid exerciser for years, and in very good overall health has had two recent falls. Inpatient workup that focused primarily on his brain ruled out TIA (he had a stroke at age 75). Now, the sx are: after a period of time of walking (at first, after 30 min, now, after 15 minutes), his legs, primarily thighs and hips --(sometimes accompanied by a mild low back pain)-- suddenly weaken and he is instantly on the ground. There have been two other recent incidents when he had support others the prevented the fall. After each incident, he becomes very tired and has to lie down and take a nap.
recent changes--it happened twice after 30 min. Of walking, yesterday for the first time after 15 min. And he has now been taking two, rather then his single daily naps. Thank you, doctor. I apologize for the length.
recent changes--it happened twice after 30 min. Of walking, yesterday for the first time after 15 min. And he has now been taking two, rather then his single daily naps. Thank you, doctor. I apologize for the length.
Brief Answer:
Need to check for hypotension or hypoglycemia.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Weakness and dizziness post exercise, could be due to dehydration. Dehydration could be affecting muscle resulting in muscle spasm and pain.
2. Not sure about the list of medication, he is on or if he is suffering from diabetes or hypertension. If any, check blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels during episodes. Do let me know about it to rule out any hypoglycemia or hypotension.
3. Improving hydration along with potassium rich diet like banana, apricots, nuts, etc is necessary.
Do let me know more details about him, and also add any tests recently done like hemoglobin and thyroid function tests.
At present, rest is necessary along with good hydration. At least 5-6 litres of water, per day.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Need to check for hypotension or hypoglycemia.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Weakness and dizziness post exercise, could be due to dehydration. Dehydration could be affecting muscle resulting in muscle spasm and pain.
2. Not sure about the list of medication, he is on or if he is suffering from diabetes or hypertension. If any, check blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels during episodes. Do let me know about it to rule out any hypoglycemia or hypotension.
3. Improving hydration along with potassium rich diet like banana, apricots, nuts, etc is necessary.
Do let me know more details about him, and also add any tests recently done like hemoglobin and thyroid function tests.
At present, rest is necessary along with good hydration. At least 5-6 litres of water, per day.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Dr. Muddegowda,
I will try to provide some clarifying information: He has neither hypertension nor diabetes. He was on medication that thinned his blood, I believe, to prevent further stroke.
I will have to contact him to get information regarding recent tests, but as far as I know they have not found anything. He has been seen by a neurologist, neurosurgeon, OT/SP/PT evaluations, had blood work, 3 MRI's to rule out TIAs while in hospital, seen a pulmonary specialist, cardiologist, and neurologist on an outpatient basis. Latest was that last week, he had a lower body MRI and awaiting results.
I will definitely tell him to drink more water.
Do you think there is any other medical discipline that he should be consulting?
Thank you so much, XXXX
I will try to provide some clarifying information: He has neither hypertension nor diabetes. He was on medication that thinned his blood, I believe, to prevent further stroke.
I will have to contact him to get information regarding recent tests, but as far as I know they have not found anything. He has been seen by a neurologist, neurosurgeon, OT/SP/PT evaluations, had blood work, 3 MRI's to rule out TIAs while in hospital, seen a pulmonary specialist, cardiologist, and neurologist on an outpatient basis. Latest was that last week, he had a lower body MRI and awaiting results.
I will definitely tell him to drink more water.
Do you think there is any other medical discipline that he should be consulting?
Thank you so much, XXXX
Brief Answer:
ENT evaluation could be helpful
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for asking again.
He has most of the workup done. He can get an additional Ear evaluation, particularly inner ear to check for any balance issues. Meeting an ENT specialist could be helpful.
Continue with good hydration and improved electrolyte balance, particularly potassium rich diet.
Do get back with tests, which I asked. If not done, can be evaluated once.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
ENT evaluation could be helpful
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for asking again.
He has most of the workup done. He can get an additional Ear evaluation, particularly inner ear to check for any balance issues. Meeting an ENT specialist could be helpful.
Continue with good hydration and improved electrolyte balance, particularly potassium rich diet.
Do get back with tests, which I asked. If not done, can be evaluated once.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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