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.