Lightheaded when walking up stairs

[gmteach]

I am curious whether anyone has difficulty walking up stairs.  It seems to only happen if the stairs are not next to a wall and there are many stairs before a landing.  I also cannot take an escalator because about halfway up I seem to lose my balance.

Also, it seems worse when carrying anything as I am trying to go up.  I know coming down I have trouble trying to place my first step, but then I am pretty good.

This has been doing on a couple of years and been dx'd since '97.

[crwriter]

Stairs are not fun for me.  If I turn my head to look at the light switch before completing the stairs, I invariably fall off the last few steps into my back hall.  Last fall was in May and I got xrays to make sure I didn't break anything.  Dizzyness is a real problem.  I have secondary progressive.

[gmteach]

Thanks for the feedback.  It is very much appreciated

[carrieblackwell77]

Yes!  I have always had problems on stairs, even way before I was diagnosed.  It started as a teen, I went through a few phases where I fell down the stairs a lot.  It's a family joke how stairs and I don't mix.  I guess maybe I'm not just a clutz, maybe MS has been affecting me for awhile.  

My problem is usually going down, I'll miss a stair.  I do always feel a little dizzy on them and really like/need a handrail too.

[SarahL2491]

stairs, escalators, oh yeah, I have the same problems.  I've heard it has to do with optical problems associated with MS but not sure, so don't quote me.  Like Kyle, I have to hold onto rails and touch the step before I land on it.  Now that I have a foot brace, it takes me even longer to go down stairs or up them.

Escalators, takes me several tries before I can get on them and if I can find an elevator, even tho I don't like confined spaces, I will use the elevator if possible.

[kwarendorf]

Hi GT- -

Stairs are not my best sport. I also get light headed, but not necessarily in association with stairs.

Both going up and down stairs I am much happier if I am holding on to a hand rail. I need to look at each next step in front of me as well. WIthout a rail I need to really slow down and focus. If I don't look at each step I invariable kick the second or third step.

My lightheadedness is actually orthostatic hypotension. When I stand up from sitting, crouching etc. my blood pressure can drop. When it does I get very lightheaded and have to hold on to something, unless of course I want to end up on the floor ;-) I'm not sure if this is MS related or not.

Kyle