HomeAnswersNeurologyvertigoWhy do I get bouncing or rocking sensation while walking?

I get bouncing or rocking sensation while walking. Why?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At November 18, 2018
Reviewed AtSeptember 14, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

For the past three weeks, I have been feeling a strange sensation which seems to be a form of vertigo. When walking, it feels as if the ground is bouncing or rocking (as if on a boat). I seem to not have this sensation right away after waking. However, after an hour or so, it comes back. I have also experienced what may be migraine aura symptoms (seeing black spots occasionally) which is sometimes also accompanied by a headache or head pressure or fullness. This bouncing or rocking sensation is really starting to worry me. I am not sure if it is due to an inner ear issue or neurological. I have started taking Meclizine and Ibuprofen which do not seem to help entirely. If possible, please advise on some potential causes, I would greatly appreciate it.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to an inner ear disorder. Anyway as your symptoms are not improved by Meclizine, I would recommend consulting with a neurologist and performing a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. It is also important checking thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have an upcoming appointment with a neurologist. My hormone levels have been normal in the past but perhaps things could have changed recently. Given the aura and migraine symptoms (a headache and black spots occasionally), could this possibly be a vestibular migraine which could explain the rocking or bouncing sensation (as if on a boat) when walking?

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Yes, vestibular migraine cannot be excluded too, especially if the vertigo is closely related to the headaches. But, before coming to this conclusion it is important performing a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and checking thyroid hormone levels in order to exclude other possible causes that may mimic this clinical situation.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Neurology

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