BALANCE

Balance – My Story

I didn’t notice a change in balance initially because I had pulled back on activities. The first I became aware of it was a few weeks after onset I was out to dinner with a friend. The imbalance was noticeable in the restaurant when I got up from the table to leave. It was short lived, like a mild vertigo event. We went to an evening outdoor festival and that’s where I really began to notice. Out and about where there were people and curbs and uneven surfaces and lots of different sounds and other distractions. I don’t hear well out of my left ear and went to walk around the other side of my friend and found I was making a larger arc around than necessary and I thought I should stop and hold on to something. I slowed down and the feeling subsided. I didn’t want to alarm my friend and didn’t say anything.

I believe it was a combination of having to split my awareness in so many different ways. and account for so many different distractions, uneven surfaces, people coming and going from every direction, night light, shadows, a myriad of sounds from every angle all the while trying to listen and be present with my friend. It was not pleasant. My other senses got into the action as well. Apparently, they naturally wake up and begin to come to the aid of an injured sense, in this case vision loss. This is all new stuff to my brain and all its functions and it’s like it takes the other parts some time to adjust and work together.

This kind of thing would repeat several times over the coming couple of months.

The good news is that it has subsided greatly withing a couple months.

I believe that when one comes up to a challenge that it is best to work with it until the mind, body and spirit come to an understanding. I would not shy away from getting out in public and practice mindfulness. That is, having a little talk with myself, a little meditation if you will, and acknowledge and accept that I need help from all my senses.  It might sound odd but it really helped.

 

(the following is from an AI query)

Query:

Some of those affected by a NAION event report difficulty with balance. What could or would cause this? Is it a cerebral matter or a matter of confusion and distraction caused by loss of peripheral vision? Does loss of balance occur when the affected is alone, or more apt to happen when walking with someone or in a crowd?

 

Response:

Loss of balance reported by some NAION (Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy) patients is an interesting and complex symptom. There are several potential factors that could contribute to this:

2. Visual field deficits: NAION often causes peripheral (as well as central) vision loss (usually ony one eye is affected), which can indeed affect balance. Our visual system plays a crucial role in maintaining balance by providing spatial awareness and environmental cues. Loss of peripheral vision can lead to:

a) Reduced spatial awareness

b) Difficulty judging distances (depth of field)

c) Impaired ability to detect obstacles or changes in terrain

3. Vestibular system involvement: While NAION primarily affects the optic nerve, there’s a possibility that in some cases, the vestibular system (inner ear balance mechanism) might be affected due to shared vascular supply or other factors. This is less common but could explain balance issues in some patients.

  1. Adaptation and compensation: The sudden loss of visual input can require the brain to adapt and rely more heavily on other sensory systems for balance, which may take time and cause temporary balance difficulties.
  2. Psychological factors: The stress and anxiety of sudden vision loss could potentially contribute to feelings of unsteadiness or insecurity while moving.

Regarding when balance issues are more likely to occur:

  1. Alone vs. with others: Balance problems can occur in both situations, but they might be more noticeable or challenging in certain contexts: a) When alone: Patients might be more cautious and move more slowly, potentially masking some balance issues. b) With others or in crowds: These situations can be more challenging because:
    • There’s more visual information to process with reduced visual capacity
    • The environment is less predictable
    • There may be more obstacles to navigate
    • The patient might feel more pressure to keep up with others’ pace
  2. Environmental factors: Balance issues might be more pronounced in:
    • Low light conditions
    • Unfamiliar environments
    • Areas with uneven surfaces or stairs
    • Situations requiring quick movements or reactions

It’s important to note that not all NAION patients experience balance problems, and the severity can vary among those who do. The primary cause is likely related to visual field deficits rather than direct cerebral involvement, but the brain’s adaptation to these deficits involves complex neurological processes.

For NAION patients experiencing balance issues, it may be helpful to:

  1. Consult with a neuro-ophthalmologist or balance specialist
  2. Consider vestibular rehabilitation therapy
  3. Practice safety measures like using handrails and removing tripping hazards at home
  4. Take extra care in challenging visual environments