What causes constant twisting and bending when walking and how can it be treated?

The sensations and balance disturbances you’re describing might suggest a phenomenon often associated with proprioceptive dysfunction or vestibular issues, both of which contribute to our sense of balance and spatial orientation. When she raises an arm or tilts her head, and it results in a bending or twisting movement, it’s possible that there is an abnormal integration of sensory information. This could be linked to the vestibular system in the inner ear, which helps control balance and spatial orientation, or to proprioception, which is the body’s ability to perceive its position in space. Given that muscle strength is intact, it is crucial to distinguish between these possible imbalances in sensory integration rather than a pure muscular issue.

The sensation of heaviness or the altered weight perception you mentioned can accompany some types of neuropathies, particularly if they’re affecting sensory nerves that contribute to proprioception. Central processing issues, such as those that occur in the brain stem or cerebellum, might also produce similar symptoms.

Potential causes could range from peripheral vestibular disorders, like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), to central nervous conditions like multiple sclerosis or a small stroke affecting balance centers. An MRI can help rule out central lesions while an ENT specialist or neurologist might evaluate the vestibular function more closely.

Treatment will focus on the underlying cause. If it’s vestibular, vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) may be recommended. VRT involves exercises that improve the body’s balance and ability to compensate for dysfunction. If the issue is a neuropathy or related to sensory input, treatment could involve medication to manage any underlying conditions, physical therapy to improve proprioception, or assistive devices to help balance and gait. Meanwhile, avoid activities that could lead to falls or injury in the absence of proper balance. While it’s crucial to await test results from the continued evaluations to piece together a clear diagnosis, discussing these symptoms with a specialist who might interpret them in context with test results will be a key step in pinpointing the precise issue.