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Tilting or swaying – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Tilting or swaying – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Tilting or swaying – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Home / Tilting or swaying – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Tilting or swaying – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment at Emirates Hospital Group

Tilting or swaying, often described as imbalance or ataxia, refers to a lack of balance or coordination. It can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, some of which require prompt medical attention. These episodes can range from occasional mild swaying to severe unsteadiness that significantly impacts daily activities and increases the risk of falls. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for persistent or recurrent episodes of imbalance to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Causes:

  • Inner Ear Problems: Conditions affecting the inner ear, such as vertigo (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere’s disease), labyrinthitis, or acoustic neuroma, can cause imbalance, dizziness, and nausea.
  • Neurological Conditions: Conditions affecting the brain or nervous system, such as stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, or cerebellar ataxia, can impair balance and coordination.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as some anticonvulsants, sedatives, or antidepressants, can have imbalance as a side effect.
  • Head Injury: Concussion or other head injuries can affect balance and coordination.
  • Cervical Spondylosis: Degenerative changes in the neck vertebrae can sometimes compress blood vessels or nerves, leading to imbalance.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to nerves in the feet or legs can impair sensation and balance.
  • Vision Problems: Uncorrected vision problems can sometimes contribute to imbalance.
  • Anxiety Disorders: Certain anxiety disorders can sometimes manifest as feelings of unsteadiness or imbalance.

Diagnosis:

  • Medical History: Gathering information about the onset of symptoms, any other associated symptoms (like dizziness, nausea, vision changes), past medical history, medications, and any recent head injuries.
  • Physical Exam: Neurological examination to assess balance, coordination, gait, reflexes, and sensation. Examination of the ears and eyes.
  • Hearing Tests: Audiometry to assess hearing function, which can be affected by inner ear problems.
  • Imaging:
    • MRI of the Brain: To look for signs of stroke, MS, or other brain abnormalities.
    • CT Scan of the Head: May be used initially to rule out stroke or head injury.
  • Vestibular Function Tests: Tests to assess the function of the inner ear balance system.

Treatment:

  • Inner Ear Problems: Treatment will depend on the specific inner ear condition and may involve medication, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or in some cases, surgery.
  • Neurological Conditions: Treatment will depend on the specific neurological condition and may involve medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other therapies.
  • Medication Adjustment: If medication is contributing to the imbalance, the doctor may adjust the dose or recommend an alternative.
  • Head Injury: Treatment will depend on the severity of the head injury and may involve rest, observation, or rehabilitation.
  • Cervical Spondylosis: Treatment may involve physical therapy, pain medication, or in some cases, surgery.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the neuropathy and may involve medication, physical therapy, or other therapies.
  • Vision Problems: Corrective lenses or other vision treatment.
  • Anxiety Disorders: Therapy and/or medication can be helpful for anxiety-related imbalance.

Important Considerations:

  • Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden onset of severe imbalance, dizziness, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking. This could be a sign of a stroke or TIA.
  • Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or recurrent episodes of tilting or swaying to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice for these concerning symptoms.

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