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What Causes Unilateral Episodic Swaying?
Question: I'm a 70 yr. old woman. I've had episodes of feeling off balance,always on the left side,no spinning sensation. it last only a few seconds. no vomiting or naseau. the left side of neck is lumpy,no pain,.I 've been hit on the right side of head several times during my 33 yrs. as a p,e. teacher and most recently (3 yrs. ago) got hit on the right side of face w/ a foul,line-drive softball resulting in whip lash & a concussion. these episodes started about 1 yr. ago & are increasing to about 1x/week. sometimes I actually step to the left when it occurs. no other symptoms.
Brief Answer:
Require examination and investigation by a neurologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Unilateral episodic swaying may be due to cerebellar involvement, vestibulocochlear involvement or weakness of concerned side. As the symptoms are episodic possibility of vestibulocochlear involvement is more likely than any other causes. Accordingly the unilateral lumpy neck doesn't seem related.
However it would be worthwhile to be examined by a neurologist in detail for deficit and then decide upon investigation. You might need atleast brain MRI with other relevant tests. Please discuss with your primary care physician and if he/she agrees, you may ask for a neurologist referral.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
Require examination and investigation by a neurologist
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Unilateral episodic swaying may be due to cerebellar involvement, vestibulocochlear involvement or weakness of concerned side. As the symptoms are episodic possibility of vestibulocochlear involvement is more likely than any other causes. Accordingly the unilateral lumpy neck doesn't seem related.
However it would be worthwhile to be examined by a neurologist in detail for deficit and then decide upon investigation. You might need atleast brain MRI with other relevant tests. Please discuss with your primary care physician and if he/she agrees, you may ask for a neurologist referral.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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