Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Dizziness and discomfort have been experienced for the past two to three weeks?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about my dizziness issue.
Three weeks ago, I suddenly felt unwell, but I couldn't quite describe the sensation.
When I got home that night, I suddenly felt nauseous and vomited a little.
Initially, I thought it was a cold, but after visiting a clinic, I learned that I was experiencing dizziness.
The doctor at the clinic mentioned that it might be hereditary and that everyone has different constitutions.
I took medication for about a week without significant improvement, and I continued to feel nauseous, which led to a weight loss of five kilograms in one week.
Later, I went to the hospital for blood tests, dizziness tests, and hearing tests.
The doctor said that it was mainly caused by inner ear imbalance, with only a 6% imbalance in my right ear.
He assured me that it would improve.
After taking Meclizine prescribed by the hospital, my dizziness improved, and my appetite also significantly increased.
However, I stopped the medication for testing purposes, and initially, I felt healed.
But in the past two days, I have experienced discomfort again, accompanied by headaches and even numbness in my limbs.
I would like to ask the doctor if this could indicate a brain issue.
When I consulted the doctor at the hospital, he mentioned that it was unlikely to be a brain problem, but why does this situation keep recurring? Could it be that my anxiety is affecting my body?

Ellis, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/21

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if you are concerned about brain issues, you may seek further evaluation at the neurology department.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/05/21

More Info

Dizziness can be a perplexing and distressing symptom, often leading to significant anxiety about underlying health issues. Your experience of sudden dizziness, nausea, and subsequent weight loss is understandably concerning. Based on the information you've provided, it seems that your dizziness may be linked to a condition known as vestibular dysfunction, specifically related to the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance.

Causes of Dizziness
Dizziness can arise from various causes, including:
1. Vestibular Disorders: As you mentioned, your dizziness was attributed to a balance issue in the inner ear. Conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, or Meniere's disease can lead to episodes of dizziness and imbalance.

2. Neurological Issues: While your doctor indicated that your symptoms are unlikely to be due to a brain issue, it’s important to consider that conditions like migraines, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or even more serious conditions like multiple sclerosis can present with dizziness.

3. Cardiovascular Factors: Low blood pressure, arrhythmias, or other heart-related issues can cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly.

4. Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors can significantly contribute to physical symptoms. Anxiety can manifest as dizziness, lightheadedness, or even feelings of faintness.

5. Medication Side Effects: Some medications can cause dizziness as a side effect. If you are taking any new medications or have recently changed dosages, this could be a contributing factor.

Symptoms to Monitor
Given your symptoms of nausea, headaches, and tingling in your extremities, it’s essential to monitor for any additional signs that may warrant further investigation. These include:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Weakness or numbness in one side of the body
- Changes in consciousness or severe confusion

Treatment Options
1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): If your dizziness is due to vestibular dysfunction, VRT can help improve balance and reduce dizziness through specific exercises.

2. Medications: Medications like meclizine (as you mentioned) can help alleviate symptoms of dizziness. However, it’s crucial to follow your doctor's guidance regarding the duration and dosage.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Staying hydrated, avoiding sudden movements, and managing stress through relaxation techniques can help mitigate symptoms.

4. Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as necessary. If symptoms persist or worsen, further testing (such as MRI or CT scans) may be warranted to rule out neurological issues.

Conclusion
While your dizziness may stem from a benign vestibular issue, it’s vital to remain vigilant about any changes in your symptoms. Anxiety can indeed exacerbate physical symptoms, so addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of your health is crucial. If your symptoms continue to fluctuate or worsen, don’t hesitate to seek further evaluation from a specialist, such as a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. They can provide a more comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan to help you regain your health and well-being.

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