What are episodic mobility problems that Queen Elizabeth suffers from; know possible causes from expert
Queen Elizabeth had to skip opening of parliament due to episodic mobility problems. Here's what it means and its possible causes.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth skipped the opening of parliament on Tuesday due to her episodic mobility issues and her son and heir Prince Charles read the Queen's speech on her behalf. The queen has been forced to cut back on engagements since being hospitalised for a night last October for an unspecified illness, according to Reuters. The report further said that while the Buckingham Palace did not give details about Elizabeth's ailment, a source said her decision to pull out of the parliament opening was related to the problems she had suffered last year.
According to Dr Jyoti Bala Sharma - Director (Neurology), Fortis Hospital Noida, episodic mobility problem means transient difficulty in agility and gait which means the condition lasts or continues for a short period of time.
"Episodic refers to anything that happens once in a while rather than on a regular basis. Unsteadiness while walking, trouble getting in and out of a chair, or falls are examples of mobility difficulties. This doesn’t happen regularly but occasionally. This is called episodic mobility. The most common reasons for episodic mobility are weakness and discomfort in major joints. This is a frequent health disease that occurs in old age, generally after a long and active life," says Dr. Biren Nadkarni, Sr. Consultant Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Sitaram Bhartia Institute and Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi.
Talking about the possible causes of episodic mobility problem, Dr Jyoti said it could be due to:
- Recurrent minor stroke or TIA
- Clot on surface of brain or SDH
- Transient worsening of pre-existing neurological problem like neuro degenerative disorder or disorder of nerves or muscles.
- Infection
- Medicine like sedatives
- Electrolyte imbalance or dyselectolytemia
- Joint problem
TIPS TO AVOID MOBILITY ISSUES
Dr Jyoti Bala Sharma also suggests tips to stay active and mobile in old age.
* Keeping active can help to loosen stiff muscles and posture. Exercises daily, follow a disciplined routine eat on time and sleep on time.
* Practice yoga and meditation.
* Try to keep your weight at a normal level as being overweight puts additional strain on your joints and may affect your mobility.
* Eat healthy diet, fruits and green vegetables, avoid junk food.
* Indulge with hobbies, social interaction and recreational activity.
"Brisk walking each day can help elderly adults stay mobility and avoid the severe symptoms of arthritis. Stay active so you can stay active. Apart from that, dancing, gardening, and stair climbing instead of taking the elevator or escalator at lunchtime can help you keep mobile as you become older, and a little exercise can help you fight sadness and even feed happiness. Daily domestic duties like garbage collection, dusting, and vacuuming involve exercise and assist to enhance daily activity. It includes things like walking to the store or playing with the grandchildren," says Dr Nadkarni.