Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Q: Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Hello, dizziness can have numerous potential causes： 1) If accompanied by a dull pain in the back of the head, it may suggest poor blood circulation in the head and neck. <br>2) If there are symptoms of ear fullness, pressure, or hearing loss, it may indicate sudden sensorineural

Recently experienced dizziness (vertigo)?

Hello, Doctor.
I sometimes experience postural hypotension, such as feeling faint and seeing black when I suddenly stand up after squatting, but it resolves within a few seconds.
My first episode of dizziness occurred about two years ago when I went to an all-you-can-eat restaurant.
The next day, when I woke up and opened my eyes, everything around me was spinning wildly, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

The second episode of dizziness happened on June 8th: Recently, due to the pandemic, I've been studying and eating at home, and after meals, I sit down and have difficulty digesting.
Two days prior, I felt something was off with my body (but it didn't feel like a typical cold).
That day, after breakfast, I felt like my food wasn't digesting, and my stomach was bloated, which persisted until dinner.
When I sat on the bed before going to sleep and suddenly lay down, I started feeling dizzy, and the situation couldn't be resolved quickly, leading to vomiting.
I felt better by the afternoon the next day.
The third episode of dizziness occurred on June 27th: Since June 8th, I've been dealing with digestive issues, and sometimes my head feels slightly dizzy, with occasional pressure in my eyes, causing discomfort.
This morning, when I opened my eyes, I experienced very mild vertigo again.
After resting, I felt a slight pressure in my ears, almost like mild tinnitus.
Currently, I do not have symptoms such as double vision, facial nerve paralysis, slurred speech, weakness in my limbs, or loss of balance.
However, I do feel that my neck muscles are stiff, leading to poor blood circulation, and I've been looking down frequently while studying, which might be affecting my digestion.
I would like to ask the doctor a few questions:
1.
What do my symptoms seem to indicate?
2.
If I need to see a doctor, would you recommend a neurologist or an otolaryngologist?
3.
Would you suggest any further examinations? I'm concerned that it might be related to issues in the brain (such as vascular problems or tumors).
4.
Given the current pandemic, I plan to visit a hospital or clinic later for an examination.
Will this delay affect the ability to identify the cause of my symptoms?
Thank you for your response, Doctor.

ian, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/27

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, dizziness can have numerous potential causes: 1) If accompanied by a dull pain in the back of the head, it may suggest poor blood circulation in the head and neck.
2) If there are symptoms of ear fullness, pressure, or hearing loss, it may indicate sudden sensorineural hearing loss, Meniere's disease, or acute labyrinthitis.
3) If turning the head exacerbates the symptoms, it may suggest benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Other conditions such as vestibular neuritis, migraine-associated vertigo, orthostatic hypotension, hyperlipidemia, brain lesions, and anemia are also potential diagnoses for dizziness.
It is advisable to seek further evaluation and treatment from an otolaryngologist or a neurologist.
Wishing you safety and good health.

Reply Date: 2021/06/27

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your symptoms and concerns regarding dizziness and related issues. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be attributed to several underlying conditions. Let's break down your questions and provide some insights.

1. Understanding Your Symptoms: Your symptoms, including positional dizziness (like when standing up quickly), episodes of spinning sensations (vertigo), nausea, and a feeling of pressure in your ears, suggest that you might be dealing with a vestibular disorder or issues related to your inner ear. Conditions such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, or even Meniere's disease could be potential causes. Additionally, your mention of digestive issues and neck stiffness could indicate that your dizziness might also be related to tension or stress, which can exacerbate feelings of dizziness.

2. Which Specialist to See: Given your symptoms, it would be prudent to consult both a neurologist and an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). A neurologist can evaluate for any central nervous system issues, while an ENT specialist can assess your inner ear function, which is crucial for balance. Since dizziness can stem from both neurological and vestibular sources, a multidisciplinary approach may be beneficial.

3. Further Investigations: Depending on the findings from your initial consultations, further tests may be warranted. These could include imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan to rule out any structural issues in the brain, as well as vestibular function tests to assess how well your inner ear is working. Blood tests may also be helpful to check for any underlying metabolic or infectious causes. It's essential to address your concerns about potential serious conditions like tumors or vascular issues, and appropriate imaging can help alleviate those fears.

4. Delaying Medical Attention: While it is understandable to be cautious about visiting healthcare facilities during the pandemic, it is crucial not to delay seeking medical attention, especially if your symptoms persist or worsen. Many healthcare facilities have implemented safety measures to protect patients from COVID-19. Delaying evaluation could lead to prolonged discomfort and may complicate the diagnosis and treatment of your condition. If you are concerned about exposure, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider to discuss telemedicine options or inquire about their safety protocols.

In summary, your symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation by both a neurologist and an ENT specialist. Early intervention can lead to better management of your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Don't hesitate to seek help, as addressing these issues sooner rather than later is essential for your overall well-being. Remember, dizziness can be multifactorial, and a comprehensive approach will help identify the root cause and guide appropriate treatment. Take care!

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