Finding the cause when you feel unsteady, dizzy or off balance
Balance problems can come from the inner ear, the nervous system, the spine or other causes. Dr. Rajesh Pathi will take a careful history, examine you thoroughly and explain what he finds and what can be done.
When to seek emergency care. Sudden dizziness with weakness, face drooping, trouble speaking, double vision, severe headache or loss of consciousness may be a stroke. Call 108 immediately.
Most dizziness has a manageable cause
Many balance problems turn out to be treatable once the cause is found. The first job is to work out what's behind yours, rather than treating the feeling alone.
Understanding balance
General information, not a substitute for your own consultation.
How is balance kept?
By the inner ear, eyes, sensation from the body and the brain working together.
How does it feel?
Spinning, swaying, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness when walking. People describe it differently.
Why does it happen?
Causes include inner-ear conditions, problems of the nervous system, the neck and spine, and others.
When to look further?
When it keeps returning, causes falls, or comes with other symptoms.
What the evaluation considers
Your story
When it happens, how long it lasts and what triggers it.
Examination
Eye movements, walking, coordination and strength.
Other symptoms
Hearing, headache, vision or weakness.
Tests, if needed
Only where they will change the plan.
How the evaluation works
A calm, thorough assessment, explained as it goes.
You describe your symptoms and what you've noticed.
A neurological and balance examination is carried out.
Tests or scans are advised only if they will help.
Findings and next steps are explained clearly.
Your journey, stage by stage
Note your symptoms
When, how often and what makes it worse or better.
Gather reports
Any previous scans or hearing tests.
Bring someone
Useful if you feel unsteady.
History & examination
A careful check of balance and nerves.
Working out the cause
Considering inner ear, nervous system and spine.
Your questions
Time to ask everything.
A clear plan
What to do next, and who else may help.
Follow-up
Review of how you're getting on.
Staying safe
Practical guidance to reduce the risk of falls.
Not sure if this is a neurological problem?
Balance problems often overlap with other areas. Explore the neurological evaluation page for how we approach this.
Learn About Second Opinion Services
Dr. Rajesh Pathi
Dr. Pathi takes balance symptoms seriously and looks for the underlying cause, referring you on for other specialist input where that is the better route.
Questions patients often have
Usually not, but it should be checked if it keeps coming back, causes falls, or comes with other symptoms.
Not always. Tests are advised only where they will help decide what to do.
Sometimes. It is considered as part of the evaluation.
It's often helpful, especially if you feel unsteady.
Feeling unsteady and want to know why?
Book a consultation with Dr. Rajesh Pathi at our Pragathi Nagar clinic.
