Most of the time, being more clumsy than usual is related to distraction or lack of sleep.
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What Is Clumsiness?
You may have experienced this for a few hours or days.
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However, if youve noticed frequent or worsening clumsiness, it’s time to get medical attention.
Intoxication: Alcohol and drugs can interfere with your balance.
The pain can throw off your balance.
An accurate diagnosis can guide your treatment to either physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Treatment can prevent these conditions from worsening and can help improve your balance.
With treatment, these symptoms can often improve.
Peripheral neuropathy: This condition involves nerve damage, which can result fromdiabetes, inflammation, or alcohol.
Peripheral neuropathy causes diminished sensation and impaired motor controlwhich may lead to difficulty walking and diminished coordination.
Parkinsons disease: This neurodegenerative disease causes tremors, muscle stiffness, and diminished balance.
Medication can help control symptoms, and physical therapy can be especially beneficial for improving balance and coordination.
Low blood pressure can make you feel lightheaded or off-balanceespecially when youre getting up from sitting or standing.
The cause of your symptoms will guide your treatment.
Serious Causes of New-Onset Clumsiness
Some worrisome medical conditions can lead to clumsiness.
Clumsiness while walking or doing any kind of task is also very common with a stroke.
Seizures: A seizure is a brief episode of involuntary movements, altered consciousness, or both.
Sometimes, a seizure can cause falling, and some people may not remember having a seizure.
Being off-balance is a common symptom of dementia and can lead to serious fall injuries.
Solutions include physical therapy to help improve balance and strength and using assistive devices.
Brain tumor: There are several types of brain tumors.
Some develop quickly, and some develop slowly.
A common symptom of a brain tumor is feeling off-balance and declining coordination abilities.
How to Improve Your Coordination
Good coordination is crucial for your health and safety.
Summary
Clumsiness has many different causes.
While you may likely feel clumsy occasionally, persistent or worsening clumsiness could be serious and require medical attention.
If you are concerned but not sure what to do, call a healthcare provider for advice.
2024;16(8):e68226.