A blind patient reports being unable to maintain balance adequately enough to wa

Question

A blind patient reports being unable to maintain balance adequately enough to walk across a room. The patient has no history of motor deficits, but is currently being treated for a serious ear infection. While the infection is responding to treatment, there is still considerable inflammation. The patient is reassured that once the ear infection subsides, balance should also return to normal. What is the source of the above blind patient's balance problems, and how is the patient's blindness relevant to the recently developed motor problems?

Explanation / Answer

The patient may be suffering from Labyrinthitis. It is a condition in which the inflammation of the inner ear causing dizziness and loss of balance.

The patient being blind would face difficulty in walking and other motor activities because they depend mainly on their ears for sensation.

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