Dizziness When Lying on Left Side: Possible Causes and Solutions

Dizziness when lying on one's side?

Hello Doctor: A few months ago, one morning when I woke up and turned to my left side at a 90-degree angle, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness and the room spinning.
I quickly turned back to a lying position and returned to normal.
After several attempts, I found that the dizziness only occurs when I lie on my left side at a 90-degree angle; no other position causes this issue.
This has happened about 3-4 times.
A few days later, the dizziness suddenly disappeared.
Initially, I thought it might be due to fatigue (I maintain a regular schedule) or holding a specific position for too long (I play Mahjong for about 8 hours on weekends), so I didn't pay much attention to it until last Sunday when the same situation occurred again, specifically when I lay on my left side at a 90-degree angle, and the dizziness returned.
Besides that, I have no other discomfort, and after the dizziness, I do not feel lightheaded or nauseous.
I would like to ask the doctor what might be causing this.
Could it be related to the otoliths in the posterior semicircular canal of the inner ear? Do I need to seek further medical evaluation, or could appropriate exercises improve the situation? Thank you!

cocotsai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/11/17

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) typically resolves on its own after a day or two of rest for young individuals, but it is prone to recurrence.
If symptoms are severe or become more pronounced, it is advisable to consult a neurologist or an otolaryngologist for further diagnosis and treatment to determine the underlying cause and location.
If necessary, canalith repositioning maneuvers may be performed, and rehabilitation techniques will be taught.

Reply Date: 2009/11/17

More Info

Dizziness when lying on the left side can be concerning, especially if it occurs consistently in that position. Based on your description, it seems that you experience vertigo specifically when lying on your left side at a 90-degree angle, and it resolves when you return to a neutral position. This pattern suggests that your symptoms may be related to a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which is often caused by dislodged otoliths (tiny calcium carbonate crystals) in the inner ear that affect balance.

BPPV typically manifests as brief episodes of dizziness triggered by changes in head position, such as rolling over in bed or tilting the head back. The fact that you have not experienced dizziness in other positions and that the episodes are brief and self-resolving aligns with this diagnosis. However, it is essential to consider other potential causes of dizziness, including vestibular disorders, inner ear infections, or even cervical spine issues, especially if you have a history of neck problems or if you sleep in a position that may strain your neck.

Given that your dizziness has recurred several times and seems to be position-dependent, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a neurologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly some diagnostic tests, to rule out other conditions. The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is a common test used to diagnose BPPV, and if confirmed, specific repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, can be performed to help alleviate your symptoms.

In the meantime, you might consider some lifestyle modifications. Avoid sudden movements or positions that trigger your dizziness, and ensure that your sleeping environment is safe to prevent falls. If you find that certain activities, like playing mahjong for extended periods, contribute to discomfort or strain, it may be beneficial to take breaks and change positions frequently.

Additionally, if you are experiencing any other symptoms, such as hearing changes, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or persistent headaches, these should be discussed with your healthcare provider as they may indicate a more complex issue that requires further investigation.

In summary, while your symptoms are suggestive of BPPV, a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes. With appropriate management, many individuals find relief from their symptoms and can return to their normal activities without significant limitations.

Similar Q&A

Persistent Dizziness When Sleeping on Left Side: Which Specialist to Consult?

It's been at least 10 years that I experience dizziness when sleeping on my left side. Even closing my eyes can trigger it. A few years ago, I took traditional Chinese medicine and it improved for a while, but it started again shortly after. I have had blood tests that showe...

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Zhen, you can first consult an otolaryngologist for an examination, as there is a higher likelihood of inner ear issues. Thank you.

Understanding Dizziness When Lying Down: Causes and Solutions

In recent days, whenever I lie on my side to sleep, I experience dizziness. Initially, it was only on my left side, but now it also occurs on my right side! Now, even when lying flat, I feel dizzy! During these episodes of dizziness, my vision spins uncontrollably! Currently, I e...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Chen: Changes in posture can lead to dizziness for various reasons, including peripheral causes such as vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, otolith dysfunction, and hearing loss. Central causes may also be involved, such as brainstem lesions, nerve compression, ...

Understanding Dizziness and Imbalance: Possible Neurological Causes

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent headaches and dizziness lately. However, the dizziness is not like the room spinning; it feels more like a sudden moment of disorientation, accompanied by a sensation of my heart skipping a beat. A few days ago, I had severe pain on...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: If dizziness is related to head position, it may be necessary to consider benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is usually caused by inner ear imbalance. However, since you mentioned symptoms of visual and sensory tilt, it may be important to consider issues r...

Understanding Dizziness: Insights from a Neurology Perspective

Hello Dr. Jiang, I previously sought help from a neurologist due to sudden dizziness. The symptoms began while sitting, with a sensation starting from the back of my head. The surroundings did not appear distorted or spinning. Later, the condition worsened, but lying down allevia...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Based on your description, the symptoms you mentioned are more likely due to syncope. Syncope is more likely to occur when a person is standing, as this position results in the least blood flow to the brain. Often, there is not enough time to react, leading to fainting. The chanc...