What Causes Unsteady Gait, And Clumsy Walking In Child?

Posted on Thu, 6 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 6 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a 5 yr. old grandson that is constantly unbalanced. He will fall even standing still, sitting. No matter where or how is he or what he is doing he is falling. If he runs he falls to sit at table at eating time he falls. Can you tell me what to do? His parents call him clumzy. I need some kind of answer. He did get tubes put in ears when 6 months old but they are out already. Please help me.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Direct observation by doctors is required. Take him to a hospital.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Get her Pure Tone Audiogram (PTA) and an Impedance Audiogram(I/A or Tympanogram) done.

2. This will show any hearing loss and changes in middle ear pressures that can cause dizziness.

3. He should be examined by a Neurotologist or an ENT Specialist and a Neurologist.

4. There are many signs such as nystagmus (abnormal eye movements), gait tests, balance tests which need direct observation by the doctor.

5. Does he ever get hurt by the falls? It is unusual for a child to have such severe dizziness and incoordination.

6. A brain MRI, routine blood tests, eye tests and clinical examination notes are important. Upload these test results for further treatment options.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

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