Determining the cause of terrible balance can be complex and may require a comprehensive evaluation by medical professionals. Since you mentioned a history of subcortical lesions and hearing loss, both the brain and the ears could potentially contribute to your balance issues. Here are some steps you can take to better understand the possible causes:
Consult with a Neurologist: A neurologist specializes in conditions related to the brain and nervous system. They can assess your medical history, review any previous imaging or medical reports related to subcortical lesions, and conduct a neurological examination to evaluate your balance and coordination.
Consult with an Audiologist: An audiologist is a specialist who can assess hearing and balance-related issues. They can perform tests to evaluate your inner ear function and determine if your hearing loss or any residual deficits may be contributing to your balance problems.
Balance Testing: Balance testing, such as a Romberg test or dynamic posturography, can be conducted to assess your balance control and help identify potential issues related to the inner ear or brain.
Imaging: If necessary, the doctor may recommend MRI or other imaging studies to examine the brain and inner ear structures in more detail.
Vestibular Function Testing: Vestibular function testing assesses the function of the inner ear balance system. This can help determine if there are any abnormalities contributing to your balance problems.
Physical Therapy: Depending on the evaluation results, physical therapy with a focus on balance and gait training may be recommended to help improve your stability and reduce the risk of falls.
Collaborative Evaluation: Sometimes, both the brain and the inner ear can contribute to balance issues, making it important for neurologists and audiologists to work together to assess your condition comprehensively.
It's essential to communicate all your symptoms and concerns to the healthcare professionals during the evaluation process. They will use the information gathered from various assessments to determine the most likely cause of your balance problems and create a personalized treatment plan to address them. Remember, accurate diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of further complications related to balance issues.