I have been suffering from dizziness & eye twitches for over a month...my physicial claims it is an inner ear infection and I have had an MRI done as well as seen a neurologist to "rule out " anything ore serious...all seems ok....DO you know the lenght of time it takes for these types of symptoms to go away? I have taken prescription steriods, and am now on an antihistime....and I do feel some drainage of mucus etc...but the dizziness and the twitching is still ther although not as intense as at the beginnning..any advice?
Reply: -----------------
The typical clinical course of an inner ear infection (labyrinthitis or vestibular neuronitis) usually involves acute severe whirling dizziness associated with nausea and vomiting. The severity of the acute phase of the illness is such that most patients end up in an emergency room. This acute phase may last from 1-3 days. Occasionally it is severe enough to warrant short term hospitalization with IV fluids and sedatives. There may be an associated alteration in hearing acuity although hearing is frequently unaffected. Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) may be present. The acute phase may occur shortly following or during an acute upper respiratory infection such as the common cold or flu. The acute phase is typically followed by a period of 4-6 weeks of unsteadiness and dizziness brought on by rapid head movements which gradually improves with time.
Symptoms that do not follow this pattern probably are not due to a so-called "inner ear infection". There are many other conditions that can be associated with dysequilibrium, loss of balance, or actual whirling dizziness some of which are not inner ear related. While your dizziness may indeed be related to an inner ear problem, your description of symptoms does not sound suggestive of an "inner ear infection". An otolaryngologist would be able to determine whether or not it is likely that an inner ear disturbance is responsible for your symptoms or whether a search for an alternative diagnosis should be considered.
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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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