Dizziness and Floating Sensations: Possible Causes and Solutions

Q: Dizziness and Floating Sensations: Possible Causes and Solutions

Hello： Young people are often busy with their careers, which can lead to irregular sleep patterns. <br>Based on your description, it seems to be peripheral vertigo, which has various causes generally attributed to inner ear imbalance. <br>I recommend that you see an otolaryngolog

Dizziness and a floating sensation?

Hello, doctor.
I have been keeping track of the days.
About six months ago, while I was squatting at work, I suddenly felt dizzy and had to lean against the wall for about a minute until it stopped.
However, since then, whenever I squat, I feel lightheaded, and even when I focus on objects in front of me, I still experience a sense of floating and imbalance (though I do not fall).
This continued for about two months, after which I went to a large hospital for a pure tone audiometry test and a brainstem auditory evoked potential test, both of which were normal.
During the waiting period for the results, I visited an ENT clinic where I underwent a series of tests, including a rapid head movement test to observe my eye movements, a Romberg test (standing with eyes closed), a finger-to-finger test, and a test where I touched my nose following the doctor's finger direction, all of which were normal.
After that, I felt better for about two weeks, but then while moving a window, the symptoms recurred, although not as severely as the first time (the first episode felt like I was floating with any movement, and lying down felt like lying on a slanted bed).
The second episode was more intermittent, and it stopped quickly (I felt unsteady while standing on one leg), and during these episodes, I felt sleepy.
Even when I felt unsteady, I did not fall, and I could maintain balance while standing on one leg with my eyes closed.
The second episode lasted for two and a half months, and I felt better for nearly a month, but recently I have experienced a mild floating sensation again, which is even less intense than the second episode, almost fleeting, or a sensation of about to occur but then stopping.
The conclusions from consulting with doctors include: Meniere's disease, inner ear nerve inflammation, and excessive stress.
My daily habits include sleeping from 2 to 3 AM until 11 AM, frequently drinking beverages but forgetting to drink water, and having mortgage stress.
Given this information, I would like to know if any further tests are needed or what might be wrong with my body.
Thank you for your patience in reading this, and I apologize for the disturbance.

Ye Junting, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/23

Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology

Hello: Young people are often busy with their careers, which can lead to irregular sleep patterns.
Based on your description, it seems to be peripheral vertigo, which has various causes generally attributed to inner ear imbalance.
I recommend that you see an otolaryngologist or a neurologist specializing in dizziness for evaluation.
This condition usually improves with adequate rest, but it can easily recur.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Hong Wei-bin

Reply Date: 2020/03/23

More Info

Dizziness and floating sensations can be distressing symptoms that significantly impact daily life. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced episodes of dizziness and a sensation of floating or imbalance, particularly when changing positions, such as squatting. You have already undergone several tests, including hearing assessments and balance evaluations, which returned normal results. This is a positive sign, as it suggests that there may not be a significant underlying neurological or auditory issue.

There are several potential causes for your symptoms, and understanding them can help guide further evaluation and management. Here are some possibilities:
1. Vestibular Disorders: Conditions affecting the inner ear, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) or Meniere's disease, can cause dizziness and balance issues. While your tests have ruled out some vestibular disorders, it may be worth consulting a specialist in vestibular rehabilitation if symptoms persist.

2. Orthostatic Hypotension: This condition occurs when blood pressure drops significantly upon standing or changing positions, leading to dizziness. It can be exacerbated by dehydration or prolonged periods of inactivity. Given your mention of not drinking enough water, it might be beneficial to increase your fluid intake and monitor how you feel when changing positions.

3. Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors can manifest physically, leading to sensations of dizziness or imbalance. Your mention of stress related to financial pressures could contribute to these feelings. Techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or cognitive behavioral therapy may help manage anxiety and its physical symptoms.

4. Sleep Patterns: Your sleep schedule, which involves going to bed late and waking up late, may also contribute to feelings of fatigue and dizziness. Poor sleep hygiene can affect overall health and exacerbate feelings of dizziness. Establishing a more regular sleep routine could improve your symptoms.

5. Neurological Considerations: Although initial tests were normal, if symptoms persist or worsen, further neurological evaluation may be warranted. Conditions such as vestibular migraines or other neurological disorders could present with similar symptoms.

6. Dietary Factors: Your diet, particularly the consumption of sugary drinks and insufficient water intake, could also play a role. A balanced diet with adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing dizziness.

Given your symptoms and their impact on your life, it would be advisable to follow up with a healthcare provider. They may recommend additional tests, such as blood tests to check for anemia or electrolyte imbalances, or imaging studies if there is concern about neurological issues. A referral to a specialist, such as a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, may also be beneficial.

In the meantime, consider implementing lifestyle changes that promote overall well-being. This includes staying hydrated, managing stress through relaxation techniques, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and ensuring a balanced diet. Keeping a symptom diary may also help identify triggers or patterns related to your dizziness.

In summary, while your symptoms are concerning, they are not uncommon and can often be managed with appropriate lifestyle changes and medical guidance. Don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and support.

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