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Dizziness and gait issue
For the last 8 months i have dizziness, light headedness rocky sway feeling not true vertigo. Have neck pain and stiffness as well. I was also feeling as if I'm falling to my left side and my gait is altered. I showed a neuro some months ago he said clinically looks normal and conducted NCS which was fine. ENT checked ears he said fine and said its cervical dizziness. 3 days ago i went to ortho and he said MRI brain contrast and plain c spine and lumbar and right knee. I have disc issues in c spine and L spine and little acl tear in right knee. As far as brain in concerned. Plain Mri was normal so radiologist said no need for contrast. I'm attaching report. Is mri contrast required? Can plain brain MRI accurately catch tumors ?
Answers (10)
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Do the following,
1. Get your blood pressure checked first lying down (for at least 15 minutes) followed by checking it when you are standing up at 0 minutes, 1 minute and 3 minutes. To check for Orthostatic Hypotension
2. Do vestibular exercises daily for 6 weeks. Lots of YouTube videos on how to do these.
3. Ask ENT doctor to do a ‘Vestibular stimulation test’.
Your symptoms are likely from a combination of ‘Inner ear balance issues’ and possibly fluctuating blood pressure levels.
All the best.
J G S R clinic
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Consultation needed
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If your plain MRI brain was completely normal, the radiologist was correct to say contrast was not required.
A plain MRI brain detects the vast majority of clinically significant brain tumors.
So,Plain MRI brain is sufficient and reliable,Contrast MRI is NOT routinely needed if plain MRI is normal,Brain tumor is extremely unlikely.Your symptoms fit cervical dizziness, not a brain pathology.
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Why are you suspecting tumours? There is absolutely no need for further MRI. Go for cervical collar for support and prevent worsening of symptoms.
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Based on what you’ve described and the reports:
• Your plain MRI brain is normal, which is a reassuring finding.
• Modern plain MRI is very sensitive for detecting most brain tumors, structural lesions, bleeding, demyelination, or major abnormalities.
• Contrast MRI is usually advised when:
• A lesion is already seen and needs better characterization
• There are red-flag neurological signs (persistent vomiting, seizures, vision loss, progressive weakness, etc.)
• There is suspicion of infection, inflammation, or small tumors not clearly visible on plain scan
In your case:
• Neurological examination was normal
• NCS was normal
• ENT evaluation was normal
• Plain MRI brain is normal
So contrast MRI is generally not required unless symptoms are rapidly worsening or new neurological deficits appear.
Your cervical MRI shows:
• Multiple level disc bulges
• Nerve impingement at some levels
• Straightened cervical spine (likely due to muscle spasm)
These findings can contribute to:
• Neck stiffness
• Rocking or imbalance sensation
• Cervicogenic dizziness
So your symptoms are more consistent with cervical spine–related imbalance rather than a brain tumor.
Next Steps
You should focus on conservative cervical management:
• Cervical physiotherapy (posture correction + strengthening)
• Avoid prolonged phone/laptop bending
• Use proper neck support while sleeping
• Short course of muscle relaxant or anti-inflammatory if prescribed
• Vitamin D and B12 check if fatigue or imbalance persists
Seek urgent evaluation only if you develop:
• Persistent vomiting
• Double vision
• Weakness in limbs
• Speech difficulty
• Severe worsening imbalance
Health Tips
• Keep screens at eye level
• Take a 2–3 minute break every 30 minutes during desk work
• Do daily neck mobility exercises
• Avoid high pillows
• Maintain hydration and regular sleep
⸻
Your reports are overall reassuring, and with proper cervical care, symptoms usually improve gradually.
If you’d like, we can review your scans and symptoms in detail during an online consultation and create a structured recovery plan tailored specifically for you.
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Dr. Sohan Kulria
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Firozabad
If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed free discussion
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Need cervical collar
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Do consult
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.