Feeling Dizzy When Moving Eyes? Possible Causes Explained - Otolaryngology

More Info

---

Feeling dizzy when moving your eyes can be a concerning symptom, and it’s important to understand the potential causes and implications. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a sensation of dizziness or a feeling of instability when you move your eyes, accompanied by a sensation of friction or vibration within the eyeball. This can be quite unsettling, especially if it coincides with changes in medication, such as stopping antidepressants.

There are several possible explanations for your symptoms:
1. Vestibular System Dysfunction: The vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation, can be affected by various factors, including eye movements. If there is a mismatch between what your eyes see and what your inner ear senses, it can lead to dizziness. This is often seen in conditions like vestibular neuritis or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

2. Visual Disturbances: Conditions such as oscillopsia, which you mentioned in previous queries, can cause a sensation of movement or vibration in your visual field. This can be exacerbated by rapid eye movements or changes in head position. If your eyes are not coordinating properly, it can lead to feelings of dizziness or instability.

3. Medication Side Effects: Since you mentioned that these symptoms began around the time you were stopping your antidepressant medication, it’s worth considering that withdrawal from certain medications can lead to various neurological symptoms, including dizziness and visual disturbances. Some antidepressants can affect the central nervous system, and discontinuation may lead to temporary imbalances in neurotransmitter levels, which can manifest as dizziness or visual issues.

4. Eye Strain or Fatigue: Prolonged use of screens or focusing on close objects can lead to eye strain, which may cause discomfort and dizziness when moving your eyes. This is often accompanied by symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and visual disturbances.

5. Anxiety and Stress: If you are experiencing anxiety or stress, this can also contribute to feelings of dizziness. Anxiety can lead to hyperventilation, which may cause lightheadedness and a sensation of dizziness, especially when combined with physical symptoms like eye movement.

Given these potential causes, here are some recommendations:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the dizziness occurs and any other accompanying symptoms. Note if it worsens with specific activities or movements.

- Consult a Healthcare Professional: It’s crucial to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider, especially since they began around the time of changing your medication. They may want to evaluate your vestibular function, perform a thorough eye examination, or assess for any underlying neurological issues.

- Rest Your Eyes: If you suspect eye strain, take regular breaks from screens and practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

- Stay Hydrated and Manage Stress: Ensure you are drinking enough water and managing stress through relaxation techniques, as dehydration and stress can exacerbate dizziness.

- Follow Up on Medication Changes: If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from stopping your antidepressant, consult your prescribing physician. They may suggest a gradual tapering of the medication rather than an abrupt stop, which can help mitigate withdrawal effects.

In conclusion, while dizziness when moving your eyes can be caused by various factors, it is essential to seek professional advice to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.