How can a disease of the nervous system affect balance?

ANATOMICAL: Diseases of brain and spinal cord cause symptoms based on anatomical location of damage. Since a substantial area for balance is located in the cerebellum and brainstem connections, disruption here can result in loss of balance. In alcohol/ nutritional problems, there may be midline cerebellar atrophy leading to gait and leg incoordination. Some cancers have toxins hurting cerebellar neurons.