Feeling Unsteady: When to See a Doctor for Neurological Symptoms

Q: Feeling Unsteady: When to See a Doctor for Neurological Symptoms

Hello： The sensation of shaking you are experiencing may be related to proprioception. <br>I am not sure if you have any headaches; some vascular headaches can be accompanied by pain that pulses with your heartbeat, and severe pain often leads to nausea and vomiting, as well as s

Feeling of body swaying?

Hello, doctor.
I have been feeling unsteady for the past two or three days, with an increased heart rate.
When I sit down, the sensation of swaying is very noticeable.
I checked with the meteorological bureau, and there have been no earthquakes in the past few days.
Should I see a doctor? What could these symptoms be? Which department should I visit?

Ming tian, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/03/02

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: The sensation of shaking you are experiencing may be related to proprioception.
I am not sure if you have any headaches; some vascular headaches can be accompanied by pain that pulses with your heartbeat, and severe pain often leads to nausea and vomiting, as well as sensitivity to light and sound.
Additionally, activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or moving your head can exacerbate the headache.
Furthermore, I wonder if you have experienced any elevation in blood pressure? Sometimes, issues with heart valves can also cause sensations of bodily shaking.
I recommend that you consult a neurologist for evaluation, who may refer you to a cardiologist for further examination.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Tao, Neurology, is concerned about you.

Reply Date: 2018/03/02

More Info

Feeling unsteady can be a concerning symptom, especially when accompanied by other sensations like a racing heart. Based on your description, it sounds like you are experiencing a sensation of instability or dizziness that has persisted for a few days. This could be due to a variety of causes, ranging from benign to more serious conditions.
Firstly, it’s important to consider the potential causes of your symptoms. Dizziness or a feeling of unsteadiness can arise from several factors, including:
1. Vestibular Disorders: These involve issues with the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in balance. Conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, or Meniere's disease can cause dizziness and a sensation of spinning or unsteadiness.

2. Neurological Conditions: Symptoms like yours could also be related to neurological conditions. Migraines can sometimes present with dizziness, as can more serious conditions like multiple sclerosis or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
3. Cardiovascular Issues: A racing heart can indicate an underlying cardiovascular issue, such as arrhythmias or other heart conditions, especially if accompanied by dizziness.
4. Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Psychological factors can also manifest physically. Anxiety can lead to sensations of dizziness, a racing heart, and feelings of unsteadiness.

5. Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance: Sometimes, simply not drinking enough fluids or having an imbalance in electrolytes can lead to dizziness and a racing heart.

Given that your symptoms have persisted for a few days and are causing you concern, it is advisable to seek medical attention. You should consider visiting a primary care physician or a family medicine doctor first. They can perform an initial evaluation, which may include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and possibly some basic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
If your primary care physician suspects a specific condition, they may refer you to a specialist. For example, if they think your symptoms are related to your inner ear, they might refer you to an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist). If they suspect a neurological issue, a referral to a neurologist may be warranted.
In the meantime, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any additional concerning symptoms, such as severe headache, vision changes, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
In summary, while it may be tempting to wait and see if your symptoms resolve on their own, given the duration and nature of your symptoms, it is prudent to consult a healthcare professional. They can help you determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment, ensuring your health and safety.

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