Patient leans to one side

[zeloc]

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If a patient when standing (and probably sitting also) starts to lean significantly toward one side without noticing it (and always to the right side), and then corrects himself suddenly after there has been a significant amount of tilt, what does this mean? I'm guessing there is a problem with the vestibular system, but what is the workup? Is there a term for this clinical symptom?

 

[strangeglove]

This depends on whether it's the whole body, or just the head. If only the head is tilted, then you may consider a trochlear nerve palsy. The tilt is usually away from the affected side, to compensate for diplopia.

 

[zeloc]

It is the entire upper body. I've heard of this occurring before, but I couldn't find anything on Internet searches.

 

[Solideliquid]

Non-neuroleptic dystonia? You can treat this with botox q3months if that is what is going on.

 

[exgatr]

Parkinson's--look for other symptoms

 

[kapMD/PhD]

has the pt had a previous stroke?