Tripping

In June of 99 I was involved in auto accident. In Jan 2000 I had C5-C6 fusion with hardware. For two months I wore brace, I'm now in a soft collar. I have recently noticed that when I walk I often trip over my feet..meaning I don't put my foot far enough ahead of me when I take a step. Could this be related to the C5-C6 fusion???? When this happens my neck is jerked backwards....not good!!! Thanks in advance for your input/help.


Vickie

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Vickie:

It is difficult to tell over the internet.  I am assuming that you have a neurologist (neurosurgeon) following you, so they must know if you have a foot drop.  If so, then this might be causing you tripping.  Might have also lost some sensory function and this too can cause tripping.  Either of these should be able to be diagnosed quickly and easily by either of your physicians.  I would call and ask, or just arrange an appointment.  The answer to you question is obviously yes, but whether it is or another reason I can't tell.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[debby]

I read this post and answer with interest.  I never considered a neurological cause for tripping.  Lately I've been tripping/falling more and more, even when there is nothing to trip over.  I've been thinking I was getting extremely clutsy.  I have never been seriously hurt, but have had my share of bumps and bruises and scrapes, including falling flat on my face on concrete thus removing most of the skin off my nose and busting my lip wide open...as a result of the tripping / falls.  This has been going on about 2 years, the same amount of time I've been fighting an ongoing battle with fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, due to undifferentiated connective tissue disease.  For the past few months I have been experiencing increased cognitive problems.... difficulty thinking and concentrating, short and long term memory problems (some severe, such as forgetting my own address), difficulty remembering common words, suddenly losing previously understood higher level math skills (algebra and geometry type), and increased headaches (frequency and intensity...I never used to get headaches, the one I have today has lasted four days).  The headaches intensify when I am forced to try to think or concentrate more.  All this is happening the same time as the increased episode of falls and tripping.  A couple of time I have fallen down half a flight of stairs.  I am 42, and have been blaming my problems partially on getting older.  I have not thought about the tripping being connected to any of this other stuff.  Could it all be connected?  The above question kind of made me wonder?  Thanks in advance if anyone reads this.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Debby:

I would recommend that you see a neurologist.  Your tripping and falling could be related to your disease process.  A foot drop or other neurololgical problem may be responsible.

CCF Neuro MD