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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Unsteady Movement Of The Body And Dizziness In Elderly?

I have occasionally in the past "staggered" when I was walking. I noticed this mostly when I awoke during the night. However, last week I was sitting still and it felt like everything around me was moving (as if I was in an earthquake). This lasted minimal seconds. This morning I was having breakfast and when I got up to walk after I finished I "staggered" for approximately 6 steps until I could walk straight again. Luckily I was outside and did not walk into anything. I am now concerned because this has happened twice recently. I am 56 yrs old, am hypothyroid, have a cervical syrinx but otherwise healthy. I had told my neurologist about the earlier episodes but they were so few.
posted on Fri, 26 Jun 2015
Twitter Sat, 4 Jul 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 6 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be attributed to pathology in the Vestibular Apparatus in inner ear (it is associated with maintenance of body posture & balance) most probably Labyrinthitis or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.
Symptomatic relief can be obtained with intake of Vestibular sedatives like Betahistine or Cinnarizine preparations (to be taken only under the guidance of a Physician).

If it still persists, then you need to consult your Physician/ ENT Specialist & get a complete clinical examination done.
Investigations like estimation of blood pressure, blood sugar levels, serum electrolytes & vestibular function tests will be required to rule out any pathological cause for the symptoms.

There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Till then, maintain adequate hydration & proper nutrition status and avoid stress.
And also take precautions of getting up from bed slowly & avoid sudden head movements.

Wishing you a Good Health.
Take care.
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What Causes Unsteady Movement Of The Body And Dizziness In Elderly?

Hello dear, The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be attributed to pathology in the Vestibular Apparatus in inner ear (it is associated with maintenance of body posture & balance) most probably Labyrinthitis or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Symptomatic relief can be obtained with intake of Vestibular sedatives like Betahistine or Cinnarizine preparations (to be taken only under the guidance of a Physician). If it still persists, then you need to consult your Physician/ ENT Specialist & get a complete clinical examination done. Investigations like estimation of blood pressure, blood sugar levels, serum electrolytes & vestibular function tests will be required to rule out any pathological cause for the symptoms. There is no need to worry, you will be fine. Till then, maintain adequate hydration & proper nutrition status and avoid stress. And also take precautions of getting up from bed slowly & avoid sudden head movements. Wishing you a Good Health. Take care.