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What Causes Loss Of Balance, Lightheadedness And Unsteadiness?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Dec 2016
Question: loss of balance, light headed, rearing off to one side direction when walking , cannot steady oneself

what can this a sign of.

thank you for your answer.

Thank You for responding

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Needs examination please in order to rule out something important

Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon.

Thank you for your concern. Of course, the amount of information is a bit limited but based upon the symptoms and observations you list, my first and worst concern is that this person has suffered a STROKE which could have affected a part of the brain called the CEREBELLUM located in the back of the cranial vault. If these symptoms came on suddenly and if accompanied by an initial terrible headache, nausea, vomiting, or sudden confusion then, there could've been an aneurysmal burst or bleed that occurred. If on the other hand these symptoms did not SUDDENLY manifest themselves then, it is possible that he could still be suffering from a stroke but this could've occurred some time ago and perhaps he is simply demonstrating more decompensation now to the stroked brain.

These symptoms could also be part of a metabolic syndrome of some sort such as a HYPER or even HYPERGLYCEMIC event going on where in one case he may be suffering from diabetic complications or excess sugar in the blood stream or he may be developing what is referred to as a metabolic ketoacidosis and needs to be diagnosis. The other extreme would be HYPOGLYCEMIA where he hasn't eaten his meals yet today and is suffering from extremely LOW blood sugar.

The only way to know exactly what is going on at this point is to get the patient to either an EMERGENCY ROOM or URGENT CENTER so that a proper consultation with a neurologist, cardiologist, or internist can help reveal the true nature of whether this is an ACUTE episode of events that need to be immediately addressed or if this may be somewhat of a culmination of a number of things that have been off center for some time and need to be recalibrated which should also be done fairly expeditiously but are not of the same gravity as if there were an ACUTE stroke.....make sense?

If I've adequately answered your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and being sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating if you feel my suggestions have helped? Again, many thanks for posing your questions and please let me know how things turn out.

Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others.

This query has utilized a total of 15 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.


Brief Answer:
Very welcome I'm sure

Detailed Answer:
I hope the information is of some use. Hopefully, it may give you some talking points with a doctor if the patient sees one.....which I also HOPE he is able to do...because it certainly sounds as if he could use one.

Be Well and Happy Holidays.

CLOSING THE QUERY and some positive feedback with a 5 STAR rating would be greatly appreciated if there are no other questions or comments.

I'd love to know how things progress....please drop me a line at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi .

This query has utilized a total of 20 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2473 Questions

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What Causes Loss Of Balance, Lightheadedness And Unsteadiness?

Brief Answer: Needs examination please in order to rule out something important Detailed Answer: Good afternoon. Thank you for your concern. Of course, the amount of information is a bit limited but based upon the symptoms and observations you list, my first and worst concern is that this person has suffered a STROKE which could have affected a part of the brain called the CEREBELLUM located in the back of the cranial vault. If these symptoms came on suddenly and if accompanied by an initial terrible headache, nausea, vomiting, or sudden confusion then, there could've been an aneurysmal burst or bleed that occurred. If on the other hand these symptoms did not SUDDENLY manifest themselves then, it is possible that he could still be suffering from a stroke but this could've occurred some time ago and perhaps he is simply demonstrating more decompensation now to the stroked brain. These symptoms could also be part of a metabolic syndrome of some sort such as a HYPER or even HYPERGLYCEMIC event going on where in one case he may be suffering from diabetic complications or excess sugar in the blood stream or he may be developing what is referred to as a metabolic ketoacidosis and needs to be diagnosis. The other extreme would be HYPOGLYCEMIA where he hasn't eaten his meals yet today and is suffering from extremely LOW blood sugar. The only way to know exactly what is going on at this point is to get the patient to either an EMERGENCY ROOM or URGENT CENTER so that a proper consultation with a neurologist, cardiologist, or internist can help reveal the true nature of whether this is an ACUTE episode of events that need to be immediately addressed or if this may be somewhat of a culmination of a number of things that have been off center for some time and need to be recalibrated which should also be done fairly expeditiously but are not of the same gravity as if there were an ACUTE stroke.....make sense? If I've adequately answered your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and being sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating if you feel my suggestions have helped? Again, many thanks for posing your questions and please let me know how things turn out. Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others. This query has utilized a total of 15 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement. Brief Answer: Very welcome I'm sure Detailed Answer: I hope the information is of some use. Hopefully, it may give you some talking points with a doctor if the patient sees one.....which I also HOPE he is able to do...because it certainly sounds as if he could use one. Be Well and Happy Holidays. CLOSING THE QUERY and some positive feedback with a 5 STAR rating would be greatly appreciated if there are no other questions or comments. I'd love to know how things progress....please drop me a line at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi . This query has utilized a total of 20 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.