Hello. I just recently returned from a trip to Madison, WI. During my journey home to Moscow, ID, I suffered some incredibly painful headaches which I kept at bay with some Tylenol. After arriving home, I fell into bed, and slept for about 12 hours straight. I gradually started feeling better after a few days a rest, but kept having this disorienting feeling, lightheadedness, spinning sensation, and slight nausea. When I finally got into the doctor, he said I was sufferering from Vertigo. When I asked what that was, he explained to me that I contracted a virus and the my inner ear is inflammed, therefore creating the sensations that have been plaguing me. He prescribed some Antivert and told me that this would decrease the inflammation and I should start feeling better within a few days. I've been taking the presciption as prescribed, but I have not noticed any difference in my symptoms.
I have been searching around to find out more about this, but all of the instances I've seen refer to crystals floating around the inner ear. Can you tell me when it is normal for this to subside? It's really awful to go through life feeling like you're drunk all the time.
I'd appreciate any input you could provide. I've left a message with my doctor today, but did not get a return phone call.
Thank you.
Reply ---------------------------------
Vertigo is a symptom in which there is a false sensation of movement. Classically the movement is spinning or whirling, but any sensation of movement qualifies as vertigo. Vertigo is often a symptom of inner ear dysfunction, of which there are many causes.
The most common cause of inner ear dysfunction causing vertigo is related to upper respiratory infection. This is commonly referred to as labyrinthitis and refers to an inflammation of the inner ear fluids. This may result from direct infection of the inner ear, or it may be related to inflammation of the middle ear as is common in many upper respiratory conditions including the common cold, sinusitis, rhinitis, or otitis. Direct infection of the inner ear fluids (acute labyrinthitis) or of the nerve to the inner ear (vestibular neuronitis) typically causes severe incapacitating forms of vertigo that often prompt emergency room visits. Nausea, vomiting, and subsequent profound exhaustion usually accompany this form of inner ear disorder. The most severe symptoms last generally for a few days and are followed by up to a few weeks of gradually diminishing dysequilibrium. A more common form of labyrinthitis is known as serous labyrinthitis which can occur with middle ear inflammation. The symptoms may be less severe and shorter in duration. Antibiotics generally do not provide direct benefit to inner ear dysfunction unless there is a serous labyrinthitis due to an infection in the middle ear or general upper respiratory tract. Bedrest, fluids, and vestibular suppressants such as antihistamines, phenothiazines, or sedatives are the mainstay of treatment.
Another type of acute inner ear dysfunction that tends to be self-limited is known as benign positional vertigo and is related to a problem with the crystals to which you have referred. The cause of the disorder is unknown but may in certain cases follow minor head trauma. The vertigo symptoms in this condition are typically fleeting in duration (seconds) and are consistently triggered by head movement, usually in a specific direction. They are rarely incapacitating and generally are not associated with significant nausea or vomiting. The condition may last for 6 to 8 weeks before resolving on its own. Medication is generally not very helpful but a specific form of physical therapy can be very helpful in speeding up the resolution of the condition (vestibular adaptation therapy).
There are other types of inner ear disorders such as Meniere's syndrome which can cause chronic or episodic vertigo. Severe vertigo may also occur with vascular problems affecting bloodflow to the brain. If the vertigo you experience does not resolve spontaneously after a couple of weeks or if the vertigo is affecting daily functioning, causing nausea and vomiting, or if there are other symptoms such as vision change, severe headache, etc., then I would recommend a consultation with an otolaryngologist or a neurologist for further evaluation.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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