Unsteady Walking and Balance Issues: When to Seek Medical Help

Unsteady gait and inability to maintain balance?

Hello doctor, I started feeling dizzy when I got up on the 13th.
I have difficulty walking steadily and feel like I could easily be pushed over at any moment.
I don't feel like the surroundings are spinning; it's just that my body seems unable to maintain balance, and I feel unsteady.
I can manage walking normally, but I feel uncomfortable when I try to jog.
At first, I thought it was just a cold, so I took medication for a few days, but there has been no improvement.
Which department should I visit at the hospital for a consultation and examination?

A Tuo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/18

Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine

Considering your age, the sudden unsteadiness while walking, and any recent illnesses such as a cold or gastroenteritis, it may be due to post-infectious peripheral vestibular dysfunction (such as vestibular neuritis, which is an inner ear issue that typically improves over a few weeks).
Generally, "vertigo" refers to the sensation of spinning (which, according to your description, you do not have), but some individuals may describe feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, unsteadiness, nausea, or a desire to vomit.
The most common causes are still related to ear issues (such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, etc.).
These conditions may be accompanied by changes in hearing, tinnitus, or nystagmus, and a medical examination is necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Other potential causes include low blood pressure, arrhythmias, hypoglycemia, anemia, hypothyroidism, or side effects from certain medications.
Less common causes may include cerebellar lesions, epilepsy, or acoustic neuroma.

It is recommended to first consult an otolaryngologist (to rule out ear-related issues), then a family medicine physician (to rule out general internal medicine problems), and finally a neurologist (to rule out brain-related issues).
Wishing you good health, Dr.
Chen Tai-Cheng from Taoyuan Hospital Family Medicine Department is concerned about you.

Reply Date: 2017/02/18

More Info

Hello,
It sounds like you are experiencing significant balance issues and dizziness, which can be concerning and may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention. Given your symptoms, it is essential to seek medical help promptly to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with unsteady walking and balance issues, the first step is to consult a primary care physician (PCP). They can perform an initial assessment and determine whether your symptoms are related to a specific condition or if further evaluation by a specialist is necessary. Your PCP will likely conduct a thorough medical history review and physical examination, focusing on your neurological and vestibular systems, which are crucial for balance.

If your PCP suspects that your symptoms may be related to neurological issues, they may refer you to a neurologist. Neurologists specialize in disorders of the nervous system, including conditions that affect balance and coordination. They may perform tests such as imaging studies (like MRI or CT scans) or nerve conduction studies to rule out any neurological disorders.

Alternatively, if your symptoms are thought to be related to inner ear problems, which can affect balance, you may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Conditions such as vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can cause dizziness and balance issues. An ENT specialist can conduct specific tests to assess your vestibular function and recommend appropriate treatments.

In addition to these specialists, if your balance issues are related to musculoskeletal problems, a physical therapist may be involved in your care. Physical therapists can help you with exercises to improve balance, strength, and coordination, which can be beneficial in managing your symptoms.

It’s important to note that balance issues can arise from various causes, including:
1. Vestibular Disorders: Problems with the inner ear can lead to dizziness and balance difficulties.

2. Neurological Conditions: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or stroke can affect balance.

3. Medications: Some medications can cause dizziness as a side effect.

4. Vision Problems: Impaired vision can also contribute to balance issues.

5. Musculoskeletal Issues: Weakness or injury in the legs or feet can affect stability.

Given that you have already tried medication for what you thought was a cold without improvement, it is crucial not to delay seeking medical attention. Persistent dizziness and balance problems can increase the risk of falls, leading to further complications.

In summary, I recommend that you see your primary care physician as soon as possible. They will guide you through the next steps, which may include referrals to specialists based on their findings. Early intervention can significantly improve your quality of life and help prevent potential injuries related to falls.

Take care, and I hope you find relief from your symptoms soon.

Similar Q&A

Unsteady on Feet: When to Seek Medical Advice for Neurological Issues

I'm asking for my mother, and I'm not very clear about the situation, nor does she want to see a doctor. In recent years, I've noticed that my mother occasionally has difficulty standing (I'm not sure if it's dizziness, just for a few seconds), which happ...

Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology
Hello: There are many causes of dizziness, and the main systems affecting the body's balance are the vestibular system and semicircular canals in the inner ear, as well as the brainstem and cerebellum. However, other issues such as cardiopulmonary problems, liver and kidney ...

Uncoordinated Walking and Dizziness: Understanding Neurological Symptoms

Hello Doctor, I previously asked you whether I consider myself to have autonomic nervous system dysfunction. During this follow-up period, I have been running or brisk walking for an average of one hour a day or two, and getting sunlight while taking B vitamins to improve my sym...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description of limb weakness and pain, the causes could include not only muscle and nerve issues but also some metabolic disorders such as thyroid dysfunction and sleep disorders, among others. MRI is primarily used to rule out structural problems in the brai...

Understanding Sudden Balance Issues: When to Seek Neurological Help

A few days ago, I started experiencing poor balance, consistently leaning to the left while walking and driving. Strangely, I also have difficulty counting money; I clearly counted ten bills, but when I counted again, there were two extra bills (this has happened multiple times i...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Based on your description, due to your history of diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases, you belong to a high-risk group for stroke. If you experience sudden neurological deficits such as limb weakness or other neurological dysfunctions, the first consideration should...

Understanding Imbalance: Exploring Neurological Issues in Teens

Since early March, I have been experiencing a very mild sense of imbalance while walking, an uncontrollable feeling, as if my head is heavy and my legs are light. I sometimes walk off course and struggle to correct myself, which feels very strange. At other times, I feel a sense ...

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
There are many possible causes for walking imbalance, affecting organs from head to toe. Regardless of the underlying reason, clinical symptoms or biochemical blood tests can help identify a direction for diagnosis. Instrumental examinations can only serve as an adjunct in the fa...