Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Attention

Dizziness!!!

Hello Dr.
Lin: For the past 1 to 2 months, I have been experiencing dizziness.
Initially, it would occur upon waking and last until the afternoon, but now it lasts all day.
It's not the spinning type of dizziness; rather, it feels like a pressure in my head, similar to the dizziness experienced during a cold.
I can manage normal activities, but tasks that require mental effort are somewhat challenging.
In June, I had an episode of otitis media with pus discharge that lasted for over a week.
After it resolved, I didn't pay much attention to it.
Recently, I visited a small clinic, and the doctor suggested that my dizziness might be caused by anxiety and that relaxation could help improve it.
However, a week has passed, and I still feel dizzy.
Should I go to the hospital for further examination? Thank you for your response, doctor.

Ahan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/09/06

Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine

Dear Ah Han,
This is Dr.
Lin Ming-Hsing, the Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

To understand your condition, we should consider two main directions:
1.
For the sequelae of otitis media, it is important to consult an otolaryngologist for a thorough evaluation.
2.
Regarding the possibility of cervical syndrome, symptoms such as neck stiffness may arise from poor posture, sports injuries, or workplace injuries.
I recommend applying heat to relax the muscles in your neck and shoulders, along with appropriate acupressure.
Wishing you good health and all the best.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Lin Ming-Hsing
Family Medicine Department
Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2005/09/06

More Info

Persistent dizziness can be a concerning symptom, especially when it lasts for an extended period or worsens over time. Based on your description, it sounds like you have been experiencing a sensation of dizziness that is not vertiginous but rather a feeling of pressure or lightheadedness. This can be quite distressing, particularly when it interferes with your daily activities or cognitive functions.

Given your history of middle ear infection (otitis media) in June, it is important to consider that dizziness can often be related to issues within the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in balance. Infections or inflammation in this area can lead to persistent dizziness, even after the infection has resolved. Additionally, the fact that you have been experiencing this dizziness for 1-2 months suggests that it may not be a transient issue and could warrant further investigation.

The suggestion from the doctor at the small clinic that your dizziness may be related to anxiety is also a valid consideration. Anxiety can manifest in various physical symptoms, including dizziness, and can exacerbate feelings of lightheadedness or pressure in the head. However, it is essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Here are some key points to consider regarding when to seek medical attention for persistent dizziness:
1. Duration and Frequency: If your dizziness has been ongoing for more than a few weeks and is not improving, it is advisable to seek further evaluation. Persistent symptoms can indicate an underlying issue that may require treatment.

2. Associated Symptoms: Pay attention to any additional symptoms you may be experiencing. If you have accompanying symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or neurological symptoms (such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking), you should seek immediate medical attention.

3. Impact on Daily Life: If your dizziness is affecting your ability to perform daily activities, work, or concentrate, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider. Quality of life is crucial, and persistent dizziness can significantly impact your well-being.

4. Previous Medical History: Given your history of middle ear infection, it is important to have a thorough evaluation to rule out any residual effects or complications from that condition. An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist may be particularly helpful in assessing any inner ear issues.

5. Anxiety and Stress: While anxiety can contribute to dizziness, it is important to differentiate between anxiety-induced symptoms and those caused by a medical condition. If you suspect that anxiety is a significant factor, consider discussing this with a mental health professional, but do not neglect the possibility of a physical cause.

In conclusion, it would be prudent to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or an ENT specialist to discuss your symptoms in detail. They may recommend diagnostic tests, such as hearing tests, balance assessments, or imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of your dizziness. Early evaluation and intervention can help address any potential issues and improve your quality of life. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to persistent or concerning symptoms.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello, doctor: I would like to ask a question. I have been experiencing intermittent dizziness for a long time, and recently it has become more frequent. I often need to apply something with menthol to feel a bit better. There was one time when I woke up and felt so dizzy that I ...

Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: There are many causes of dizziness, such as anemia, otitis media, inner ear imbalance, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and cerebrovascular diseases, among others. If you have already visited a hospital and consulted an otolaryngologist to rule out ear-related ...

Frequent Dizziness and Unsteadiness: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. Over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness. It started with pain in the back of my head, followed by dizziness and instability when standing. I often feel like I'm going to fall backward while s...

Dr. Xie Rongyuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If you frequently experience dizziness, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Thank you for your message!

Understanding Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Attention for Neurological Issues

Hello Doctor: The following conditions cause me to feel dizzy: 1. Focusing on dynamic images (such as movies and computer animations) 2. Focusing on moving objects (such as walking people or cars), which creates relative motion of the background scenery 3. Focusing on nearby obje...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
If dizziness occurs frequently, please consult an ophthalmologist or neurologist to check for the presence of nystagmus.

Persistent Dizziness and Nausea: When to Seek Neurological Help

Hello Dr. Jiang, I started experiencing mild dizziness around January of this year, similar to motion sickness, accompanied by a feeling of nausea and frequent burping. This would last for about one to two hours but did not affect my daily life. However, since April, the duration...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, there are many potential causes for dizziness, such as anemia, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and inner ear imbalance, which may contribute to your symptoms. First, it is important to rule out anemia or fluid deficiency that could lead to ...