Dizziness and Body Shaking: When to Seek Neurological Help

Feeling of body swaying?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, I spent too much time at the computer maintaining a posture, and after getting up, I noticed stiffness in my neck muscles along with dizziness.
I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who said my muscles were inflamed and very tense.
After a period of treatment, I still didn't feel better, so I consulted a neurosurgeon.
An X-ray of my cervical spine showed no abnormalities.
I have been taking muscle relaxants and exercising, and my neck muscles have relaxed somewhat.
However, recently I have noticed that sometimes when sitting or walking, my body feels unsteady, and I experience a sensation of imbalance that comes and goes.
A few days ago, I also had headaches and a feeling of pressure in my head, but those symptoms have resolved.
Still, I occasionally experience this unsteady feeling, as if there is an earthquake when sitting.
The swaying sensation makes it difficult for my eyes to focus when studying, which is quite bothersome.
I would like to ask the doctor what could be causing these symptoms and which specialty I should consult for better treatment.

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/11

Dr. Peng Shiwei reply Neurology

It is recommended that you visit a neurology outpatient clinic for evaluation and treatment by a specialist to determine if further examinations are necessary.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2024/01/11

More Info

Dizziness and body shaking can be distressing symptoms that may arise from various underlying conditions. Given your description of prolonged computer use leading to neck stiffness, dizziness, and a sensation of imbalance, it is essential to consider several potential causes and the appropriate steps to take for diagnosis and treatment.

Firstly, your symptoms may be related to cervical spine issues. Prolonged poor posture while using a computer can lead to muscle strain and tension in the neck, which may contribute to dizziness. This is often referred to as cervicogenic dizziness, where neck pain or stiffness can lead to sensations of dizziness or imbalance. The neck muscles may become tight and inflamed, leading to restricted blood flow or nerve irritation, which can manifest as dizziness or a feeling of instability.

Additionally, the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance, may also be affected. If there is any dysfunction in the inner ear or vestibular pathways, it can lead to dizziness and a sensation of unsteadiness. This could be exacerbated by muscle tension in the neck, which can affect the proprioceptive feedback that helps maintain balance.

Your experience of feeling like the ground is shaking or having difficulty focusing while reading could also indicate a vestibular migraine or other forms of migraine-associated dizziness. Migraines can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including dizziness, light sensitivity, and difficulty concentrating.
Given that you have already consulted with a neurologist and had X-rays of your cervical spine, it may be beneficial to explore further diagnostic options. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine could provide more detailed information about any potential disc herniations, spinal stenosis, or other structural issues that may not be visible on X-rays. Additionally, a vestibular assessment by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a neurologist specializing in vestibular disorders could help determine if there is an inner ear issue contributing to your symptoms.

In terms of treatment, it is crucial to address both the muscular tension and any potential vestibular dysfunction. Physical therapy focusing on neck and shoulder strengthening, posture correction, and vestibular rehabilitation exercises may be beneficial. These therapies can help alleviate muscle tension, improve neck mobility, and enhance balance.

Furthermore, if you continue to experience dizziness, it may be worth discussing the use of medications that target vestibular symptoms or migraines with your healthcare provider. Medications such as antihistamines or beta-blockers can sometimes help manage dizziness and associated symptoms.

Lastly, lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing your symptoms. Taking regular breaks from computer use, practicing good ergonomic habits, and incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine can help prevent muscle tension and improve overall balance.

In conclusion, your symptoms of dizziness and body shaking could stem from a combination of cervical spine issues, muscle tension, and potential vestibular dysfunction. It is advisable to continue working with your healthcare providers, including neurologists and physical therapists, to explore further diagnostic evaluations and treatment options tailored to your specific needs. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking a second opinion or further specialized care may also be warranted.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Dizziness and Body Tremors: A Neurological Perspective

Hello, Doctor. Today, when I stood up from a chair to walk, I felt dizzy. I thought it would gradually improve, so I didn't pay much attention to it. However, it didn't get better, so I stopped to rest and leaned against the wall. After that, I started to shake uncontro...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Tremors and the inability to produce sound are not typical symptoms of common positional vertigo. These may indicate a transient focal neurological deficit caused by other issues in the brain, and both electrical discharges and ischemia should be considered. It is recommended to ...

Persistent Dizziness and Body Shaking: Seeking Answers for Neurological Symptoms

Hello, Doctor. Since being diagnosed at the end of May last year, I have been experiencing symptoms of hypoxia, such as blackouts and dizziness. By October, my hypoxia symptoms had improved, but recently I have been feeling a sensation of my body swaying, whether I am walking or ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Ms. P: You mentioned experiencing "sudden lapses of memory for 1 to 2 seconds while walking, without any symptoms of numbness in the limbs or face." Your symptoms may suggest postural hypotension. Additionally, conditions such as anemia, autonomic dysfunction, and...

Understanding Neurological Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello doctor, I have been feeling unwell these past few days. Two days ago, I suddenly fainted at home, and I have been vomiting what I eat and experiencing diarrhea. I feel very dizzy, my eyes keep wanting to close, and I am yawning frequently. My right hand has been slightly co...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
If it appears to be neurosis and there is no improvement with medication while symptoms persist, a visit to a neurology clinic is necessary.

Understanding Dizziness and Muscle Tremors: When to Seek Neurological Help

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing dizziness (I have taken Diphenidol but it hasn't been very effective). Since the onset of dizziness, I occasionally feel soreness in my cheeks, my limbs' muscles tend to twitch, and my eyelids also twitch easily. Recently, my lips ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, Miss: You mentioned that "the muscles in your hands and feet easily tremble, your eyelids also twitch frequently, and recently your lips and chin have started to tremble." This may warrant consideration of structural issues in the brain or metabolic diseases. Wou...