I'm Struggling with My Balance and Vision: Do I Have a Brain Tumor?

Maybe you woke up one morning, and your balance and vision felt off. Or perhaps you’ve noticed balance and vision symptoms that seem to be getting worse. And now, you’re wondering if what you’re experiencing is a sign of something serious, like a brain tumor.

New or worsening balance and vision problems can be unsettling, and it’s natural to be concerned about what it could mean for your health. David A. Wiles, MD, and our team are ready to help. We specialize in neurosurgery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and serve Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City.

If you’re worried about balance and vision changes, start here to learn more about the potential causes, how to recognize additional symptoms, and how we can help you get the answers you need.

Understand potential reasons for balance and vision problems

You rely on your balance and vision to carry out your daily tasks, and it’s easy to assume the worst when you struggle with them. The truth is that balance and vision challenges can result from a variety of conditions, many of which are not related to brain tumors.

A few possible causes include:

• Inner ear disorders, like vertigo or labyrinthitis
• Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• Blood circulation issues, including reduced blood flow to your brain during a transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Brain tumors

Brain tumors are a less common cause of balance and vision issues. However, tumors in specific areas of your brain can press on nerves responsible for vision and balance and cause noticeable changes in balance and vision.

Identify concerning symptoms

Balance and vision issues alone don’t necessarily indicate a brain tumor, but they are certainly worth monitoring — especially when accompanied by other symptoms. Signs to watch for include:

• Persistent headaches, particularly those that worsen in the morning or with physical activity
• Double or blurred vision or difficulty focusing
• Dizziness, frequent falls, or unsteadiness
• Nausea or vomiting unrelated to other illnesses
• Seizures or changes in coordination

If these symptoms occur simultaneously or progressively worsen, it’s important to get a professional evaluation. Understanding the underlying cause of your balance, vision issues, and other symptoms is essential to finding an effective treatment plan. 

Get answers with a neurosurgery consultation

If you’re concerned about balance and vision symptoms, don’t hesitate to get checked out. Dr. Wiles and our team offer comprehensive diagnostic testing to understand your symptoms and determine their cause.

Depending on your needs, we can do neurological exams to assess your reflexes, coordination, and muscle strength and imaging studies like MRI or CT scans to detect abnormalities in your brain.

Balance and vision problems are concerning, but they don’t always indicate a severe condition like a brain tumor. Seeking an early consultation provides clarity and the information you need to pursue a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Let us help you understand your symptoms and take proactive steps toward recovery. Schedule a consultation online or call us at 423-459-9800 to learn more.