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What Causes Imbalance In A Child?
Question: I have a two year old granddaughter who sees her pediatrician on a regular basis. Her ped is referring her to a pediatric neurologist because she is concerned about her balance. She falls and stumbles often. It always seems to be on the right side that she has difficulty. She has walked for about 9 mons and has reached all other milestones when expected. She is left handed although does often use her right. What will the neurologist explore and test for. Her mom is very nervous, of course, and I have tried to ease her mind some. Any insight?
Brief Answer:
Balance
Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question. It seems like your pediatrician is being overly cautious here, but, in my opinion, appropriately. Balance is controlled by several things. Here is what I would consider:
First: the part of the brain that participates in balance control is the cerebellum. A neurologist may examine the cerebellum by first observing your granddaughter walk. A good neurologist will know if its a cerebellar issue based on this observation alone. He may try a few reach and grab tests as this function is also controlled by the cerebellum.
Next: you indicated that the problem seems to be more frequent on the right side. I recommend bringing up the issue of vision with your pediatrician. There could be a correctable issue with the right eye.
Also, to a lesser extent, our ears play a part in balance control. If the other evaluations are normal, this may be an avenue to pursue.
I do not believe her handedness has anything to do with this.
Also keep in mind that she is probably perfectly normal and, as stated earlier, this is your pediatrician appropriately covering all bases.
Balance
Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question. It seems like your pediatrician is being overly cautious here, but, in my opinion, appropriately. Balance is controlled by several things. Here is what I would consider:
First: the part of the brain that participates in balance control is the cerebellum. A neurologist may examine the cerebellum by first observing your granddaughter walk. A good neurologist will know if its a cerebellar issue based on this observation alone. He may try a few reach and grab tests as this function is also controlled by the cerebellum.
Next: you indicated that the problem seems to be more frequent on the right side. I recommend bringing up the issue of vision with your pediatrician. There could be a correctable issue with the right eye.
Also, to a lesser extent, our ears play a part in balance control. If the other evaluations are normal, this may be an avenue to pursue.
I do not believe her handedness has anything to do with this.
Also keep in mind that she is probably perfectly normal and, as stated earlier, this is your pediatrician appropriately covering all bases.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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