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COORDINATION AND BALANCE
Balance is
required whether standing, sitting, walking or lying down. The
cerebellum and brainstem controls balance and coordination; however
the eyes, ears and spinal cord also play a role in this area.
When the brainstem is affected, dizziness commonly occurs.
Dizziness is referred to as vertigo. Vertigo is best described as a
feeling that the person's surroundings are in a state of constant
movement creating a spinning sensation but there may also be a
feeling that the ground is tilting. Nystagmus (jerky eye movements)
is often associated with vertigo. Nausea and vomiting often
accompany severe vertigo.
Treatments
Anti-vertigo medications are often
prescribed to stabilize this symptom. The most frequent side effect
is sedation, however, anti-vertigo medications are quite helpful
when vertigo is affecting daily activities. Physical therapy is
sometimes used to teach the patient exercises that will effectively
control vertigo.
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MS Central
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