Symptom 3: Difficulty with Balance and Coordination – A Question of Equilibrium
Imagine feeling like you’re on a ship during a storm, even when you’re standing on solid ground. This feeling isn’t unfamiliar to those dealing with NMOSD. One of the symptoms people with NMOSD experience is a difficulty with balance and coordination, sometimes described as clumsiness or unsteadiness.
This is because the spinal cord, the communication highway between the brain and the limbs, gets affected in NMOSD. The resulting inflammation and damage can interfere with the transmission of signals, leading to issues with coordination and balance.
Individuals might find themselves tripping or falling more frequently, or they might struggle with tasks that require precision. For example, buttoning a shirt or using cutlery could become increasingly challenging. They might also experience a peculiar feeling of being pulled to one side while walking.
These symptoms can pose significant challenges in daily life, impacting an individual’s ability to perform routine tasks independently. However, with physiotherapy and rehabilitative measures, improvements can be made, helping individuals regain a significant degree of functionality and independence. (3)
