Having Dizziness Triggered By High Contrast Patterns. Having Peripheral Neuropathy. MRI Showing Hypodensity In Occipital Lobe. Further Tests Needed?

Posted on Thu, 5 Sep 2013

Question: I have dizziness that is triggered by busy, high contrast patterns, watching something move rapidly (e.g., a car chase scene), rapid scrolling of my computer screen, and sometimes crowded areas. I don't feel panicky or anything like that...I just feel very off kilter as though I'm going to lose my balance. I also have peripheral neuropathy in the form of numb areas in the bottoms of both my feet and along the ulnar nerve in both hands. A brain MRI showed a .6cm by 1.6cm area of hypodensity in the left occipital lobe. Two neurologists have told me they're "stumped", but I've had not other testing other than the MRI and the typical in office neurological exam. My hearing is excellent.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do get a CSF analysis done.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

The vertigo(dizziness that is triggered by watching something move) could be a sign of peripheral neuropathy in the 8th cranial nerve. Since you have symptoms of peripheral neuropahty in the upper and lower limbs, I consider they are connected and a part of generalized nerve disease.

Considering the MRI report which says hypodense lesion of size 0.6 by 1.6 cm which could be a localized pus collection, cyst or a neuro-degenerative disease.

I suggest you to get a Cerebro spinal fluid analysis which could provide direct data from the brain if it is any tumor, pus or inflammatory collection. Based on the result the cause for the symptoms you have can be identified.

Hope, I answered your query.

Regards,

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar