Dear Doctor,
I am frequently nauseated for reasons I have yet to discover, but recently this nausea has been accompanied by or caused by a dizzy, mild vertigo sensation. I have never had problems with dizziness before, but during the last month or so I find I frequently become dizzy and nauseated when riding in the car, particularly when I turn my head from side to side. I do not have a history of motion-sickness, and my health is generally quite good.
This weekend, the dizziness and vertigo became especially severe. Today is the third day I have felt extremely queasy, nauseated, and dizzy. When I lie down it seems to get worse. I feel some sinus pressure around my eyes & ears, but there is no pain, and the dizziness comes and goes. I have not recently had any sort of cold or congestion that I know of, though a few nights ago I did cry alot, which may have built up some pressure in my head. What do you think could be causing this dizziness and how can I remedy it? Thanks for your help.
Reply: ----------------------
Your symptoms warrant an evaluation by your physician. It is possible that your symptoms could be related to an inner ear disorder, but there are many other possible explanations for your symptoms. True vertigo related to an inner ear disorder is commonly associated with some degree of nausea and even vomiting in many patients because of anatomic proximity in the brain between nerve fibers of the inner ear and other nerves which innervate the gastro-intestinal system.
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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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