Dizziness and nausea?
This morning, I woke up feeling extremely dizzy, as if the room was spinning.
After lying down, I felt better, but when I got up to prepare for work, the dizziness returned.
Sitting down helped, and after a while, the dizziness subsided.
After work, the dizziness started again, accompanied by nausea.
Lying in bed, the spinning sensation returned for a while and then went away again.
I'm feeling really uncomfortable.
What could be wrong with me?
Xuehan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/03
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: There are many causes of dizziness.
If you experience a few seconds of dizziness when lying down or getting up, it may be due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) caused by displaced otoliths.
If the symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation at a hospital.
Wishing you safety and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Reply Date: 2016/01/03
More Info
Dizziness and nausea can be quite distressing symptoms, and they often arise from various underlying conditions, particularly those related to the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) system. Your experience of feeling dizzy, especially when standing or moving, accompanied by nausea, suggests that you may be dealing with a vestibular issue or another related condition.
One common cause of dizziness is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This condition occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into one of the semicircular canals, leading to brief episodes of vertigo (a spinning sensation) when you change the position of your head. BPPV is often triggered by specific head movements, and the dizziness can be accompanied by nausea. The good news is that BPPV is usually treatable with specific maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, which can help reposition the crystals.
Another possibility is vestibular neuritis, which is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often caused by a viral infection. This condition can lead to sudden, severe vertigo that can last for days, along with nausea and balance issues. Unlike BPPV, vestibular neuritis does not typically involve changes in head position.
Additionally, Meniere's disease is another condition to consider. It is characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The exact cause of Meniere's disease is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to fluid buildup in the inner ear.
Other potential causes of dizziness and nausea include migraine-associated vertigo, where migraines can cause vertigo and nausea even without a headache, and orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when standing up, leading to dizziness and lightheadedness.
Given your symptoms, it is essential to consider a few steps for proper evaluation and management:
1. Consult an ENT Specialist: Since your symptoms are related to dizziness and nausea, an ENT specialist can perform a thorough examination, including hearing tests and balance assessments, to determine if there is an underlying vestibular disorder.
2. Neurological Evaluation: If the ENT evaluation does not reveal a clear cause, a neurologist may need to assess you to rule out any central nervous system issues, such as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or other neurological conditions.
3. Keep a Symptom Diary: Documenting when your symptoms occur, their duration, and any associated factors (like head movements, stress, or dietary changes) can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
4. Hydration and Diet: Ensure you are well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate dizziness. Additionally, consider your diet, as certain foods can trigger migraines or other vestibular symptoms.
5. Balance Exercises: If diagnosed with a vestibular disorder, your healthcare provider may recommend vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which includes exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness.
In summary, your symptoms of dizziness and nausea could stem from various ENT-related issues, and it is crucial to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention can significantly improve your quality of life and help you manage these uncomfortable symptoms effectively.
Similar Q&A
Understanding Dizziness and Pressure: Neurological Insights and Solutions
Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing dizziness, a feeling of pressure in my head, and nausea for almost three weeks. After visiting an ENT specialist and taking medication, I haven't vomited in the past few days, but I still feel a bit dizzy and pressure in my head. I expe...
Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Miss Ling, You mentioned that "my head still feels a bit dizzy and swollen, with pain on both sides, and my ears also hurt a little. I feel heavy-headed and light-bodied, and looking at my phone causes some dizziness... After visiting the ENT and taking medication, I h...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Pressure: Neurological Insights and Solutions
Dealing with Dizziness and Nausea: When to Seek ENT Help
Hello, I apologize for the intrusion. I have a history of migraines, but recently my headaches have progressed to dizziness and vertigo, accompanied by nausea. Initially, resting would help alleviate the dizziness, but now I find that I cannot change my sleeping position before b...
Dr. Xu Yingzhuo reply Otolaryngology
Hello, Shiyue: The dizziness caused by migraines is related to genetics and dietary patterns. Since your condition is accompanied by dizziness triggered by certain specific positions, you should visit an ENT department at a hospital that offers balance assessments (such as our ho...[Read More] Dealing with Dizziness and Nausea: When to Seek ENT Help
Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Cold Sensations: ENT Insights
Dear Dr. Jian, A few weeks ago, I started experiencing symptoms of dizziness. Initially, it was just a feeling of lightheadedness throughout the day, which I didn't think much of. However, one night, when I got up to go to the bathroom and lay back down, I suddenly felt the...
Dr. Jian Huangqi reply Otolaryngology
Based on your description, it is possible that you have a lesion related to vertebrobasilar insufficiency. It is important to rest and take some medications to alleviate the symptoms. Improvement can be expected within 3 to 6 months. You are welcome to visit my clinic for further...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Cold Sensations: ENT Insights
Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Breathing Difficulties: ENT Insights
Hello doctor, this morning when I woke up, I felt extremely fatigued. After that, I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. While washing my face, I suddenly felt unable to focus my vision and experienced weakness throughout my body. I immediately left the bathro...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: There are many causes of dizziness. If it occurs frequently, it is recommended to visit the ENT department, neurology department, and cardiology department at a hospital for evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ENT Departm...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Breathing Difficulties: ENT Insights
Related FAQ
(Otolaryngology)
Inner Ear Imbalance(Otolaryngology)
Tinnitus(Otolaryngology)
Headache(Otolaryngology)
Medication Side Effects(Otolaryngology)
Ear, Nose, And Throat(Otolaryngology)
Nasal Congestion(Otolaryngology)
Dizziness(Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Hyperacusis(Otolaryngology)
Ménière'S Disease(Otolaryngology)