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What Causes Dizziness While Walking?

Posted on Thu, 19 Mar 2015

Question: I am having a brain MRI today and really anxious about it. Last couple months I have experienced rocking/swaying vertigo (worse when walking and sitting upright). I also have fibromyalgia that causes mild tingling sensations that come and go among other things. My doctor said my nasal passage is red and swollen and ear drum bulging a bit. Sinus infection ruled out via ct scan. I do have pressure in my nose that comes and goes with some mild throbbing in temples. Was treated with 2 rounds of antibiotics in December for an ear infection and still had fluid in ear on XXXXXXX 20. I have struggled with migraine headaches for years. I do struggle with anxiety/panic attacks. What is likelihood of a brain tumor?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The chances of brain tumor is very low.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your clinical details and understand that you had an MRI of brain done today.

I know that you are anxious, however, the chance of you having a brain tumor on MRI is very low.

Your symptoms are most probably related to ear issues and would improve with medications and physiotherapy.

Medications would include betahistine tablets to relieve giddiness/dizziness/imbalance. In addition, migraine should also be adequately treated. Physiotherapy would include vestibular adaptation exercises.

I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in

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

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (6 minutes later)

Thank you for your response. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last July due to joint/muscle pain, fatigue, tingling/burning etc. I had a thoracic/cervical MRI to rule out MS both were clear. I also had numerous blood tests done to rule out autoimmune disorders. One symptom I forgot to mention was neck achiness and if that would indicate brain tumor? Would any of the fibromyalgia symptoms be reason to suspect a brain tumor?
I had one more question please. I also tend to get a foggy feeling in head. Would that be more likely due to anxiety/fibromyalgia or brain tumor? Would you worry about MS with symptoms discussed? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MS or brain tumor is unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back with more information.

I have noted your additional symptoms of neck achiness. This would not indicate a brain tumor.

Foggy feeling in the head is more likely to be due to anxiety. I would not consider MS or brain tumor in your case.

Please keep me informed about the MRI report.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

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

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Thank you. My MRI revealed no tumors or signs of MS. There were no abnormal findings. Would you recommend going to a ENT or balance clinic to address the inner ear issue and presence of dizziness/vertigo? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
ENT evaluation would be helpful.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

It is great to note that MRI brain was normal.

It would be useful to have an ENT evaluation.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

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

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (12 hours later)

I am looking into an ENT evaluation. It has been suggested to start with a VNG test and go from there. Is it typical for the vertigo to be quite a bit worse on some days with nausea accompanying it and should meclizine help ease it?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Agree with the plan

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

Yes, I agree with your plan of evaluation.

Also, symptoms can fluctuate on different days and may be worse on some days.

Meclizine would relieve the symptom. Other options include betahistine tablets.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

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