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What Causes A Balance Disorder?

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Posted on Thu, 25 Aug 2016
Question: I have been having balance troubles the last month or so. Been through all tests there are, ans have been on the hospital and got my XXXXXXX mri scanned to see if anything could explain it.
Mr was fine, so are all blodtests. And standard neurological examantions.
Two times this week i have been with one of the best and most specialized ear clicincs in denmark. All the tests shows that only 1 out of my 5 balance organs work.
He thought his machine was showing wrong, but took alot more tests. And all of them shows that only 1 of them work.
He is sure its not vestibular neutitis because thats usullay only affects one side, and i have not been vomiting and so on. He says that if i did not have had an scan of my brain he would be sure it was a tumor or something causing this, beause the tests are so severe.
But the fact that i have had an MRI scan and everything is normal is really weird he thinks. He is the top specialist in my region and he's answer to me today was - sorry i dont know what to do, because i haver never seen anything like this in whole his life.
The is a very disturbing measage, im a semi pro cyclist who is movig to spain tomorrow even though i cant ride my bike at all at the moment, i thought it was a virus on the balance nerve. But this message really have left me devastated for the furture.
He hinted a bit that maybe something bad is underway such as a severe neurological disorder which just dosent shows yet.
He cant advise me any further, then i will have to see what the future brings.
What do i do??
Im so worried about my future especially because of my profession as a cyclist.
Best wishes XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Normal MRI is a good news.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and would try my best to help you.

I have noted your symptoms and the opinion of ENT specialist. He has concluded that it is a neurological problem, and there is no ear problem.

MRI pictures should be shown to a neuro-radiologist, as minor abnormalities on MRI can be missed by a general radiologist. He should be asked to look at cerebellum, and CP angles (cerebello-pontine angles) in more detail, which are involved in maintaining balance.

Was contrast injection given for MRI? If not, a gadolinium contrast enhanced MRI of brain should be done. This is because some abnormalities such as infection or small tumor may get missed on non-contrast MRI.

Finally, if the MRI comes out as normal, it is a good news (suggestive of minor neurological problem), with a good chance of recovery.

I sincerely hope my reply has helped you.

I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.
     
Best wishes,     
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (15 minutes later)
Hi Doctor XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Thanks alot for your answer.

No contrast injection was given during my MRI.
So mayhe i should ask for that, if that can show more details.
But guess it cant be done berfore i leave tomorrow.
When you talk about minor neurological problems what can they be?
Im worring about things like multiple schleroses.
But that would show on MRI right?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
MS is unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

Yes, I agree with you that multiple sclerosis (MS) would show up on non-contrast MRI. So, MS is unlikely in your case.

The most likely possibility (with normal MRI) can be a viral infection of cerebellum/vestibular structures, which is self-limiting in nature.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)
Thanks.
Regarding what you say is most likely. Viral infection of cerebellum. Is that not the same as vestibular neuroritis?
Because my doctor dont think its that.
By self limtiting does that mean it goes away by itself.
Best wishes XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Viral infection of cerebellum is different.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

Viral infection of cerebellum is referred to as cerebellitis, and it is different from vestibular neuronitis (which is infection of vestibular nerve in ear).

Yes, self-limiting means, it improves on own over time.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 6231 Questions

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What Causes A Balance Disorder?

Brief Answer: Normal MRI is a good news. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting your query. I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and would try my best to help you. I have noted your symptoms and the opinion of ENT specialist. He has concluded that it is a neurological problem, and there is no ear problem. MRI pictures should be shown to a neuro-radiologist, as minor abnormalities on MRI can be missed by a general radiologist. He should be asked to look at cerebellum, and CP angles (cerebello-pontine angles) in more detail, which are involved in maintaining balance. Was contrast injection given for MRI? If not, a gadolinium contrast enhanced MRI of brain should be done. This is because some abnormalities such as infection or small tumor may get missed on non-contrast MRI. Finally, if the MRI comes out as normal, it is a good news (suggestive of minor neurological problem), with a good chance of recovery. I sincerely hope my reply has helped you. I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/