Sudden Severe Dizziness and Nausea: the Causes - Otolaryngology

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Sudden severe dizziness and nausea can be alarming and may stem from various underlying causes. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a sudden onset of vertigo, which is often related to issues with the inner ear or vestibular system. The fact that you felt worse when lying down and had difficulty standing suggests that this could be a case of positional vertigo or another vestibular disorder.

One common cause of such symptoms is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), where tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and disrupt the normal balance signals sent to the brain. This can lead to episodes of intense dizziness, especially when changing positions, such as getting out of bed or tilting your head. Another possibility is vestibular neuritis, which is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often caused by a viral infection. This condition can lead to sudden, severe dizziness and balance issues without hearing loss.

Your doctor mentioned that the issue might be related to the "ear nerve," which aligns with these potential diagnoses. The medications you received, Diphenidol and Novamin, are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of dizziness and nausea. Diphenidol is an antihistamine that helps with motion sickness and vertigo, while Novamin is often used to treat nausea.

It's important to note that while these episodes can be benign, they can also indicate more serious conditions, such as Meniere's disease, which involves fluid buildup in the inner ear, or even central nervous system issues like a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke, especially if accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

Given that this was your first experience with such symptoms, it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend additional tests, such as a hearing test, balance assessments, or imaging studies, to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Keeping a diary of your symptoms, including any triggers or associated factors, can also be helpful for your doctor.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to a vestibular issue, it is essential to have a thorough evaluation to determine the exact cause and ensure appropriate management. If you experience any recurrence of symptoms or new symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or changes in vision, seek medical attention immediately.