I'm a 34-year old woman and I have been suffering from dizziness/imbalance
for almost exactly a year. This is my fourth episode of dizziness in the
last 11 years, each episode lasting around 4 weeks except for this one that
won't go away. It comes on suddenly and violently, leaving me nauseated and
literally sea-sick. It's like being on a boat tossed at sea and when it
starts I have to hold on to the walls to walk. After about 10 days I get my
"sea-legs" and the nausea goes away. I have been to an ENT who did a test
on my inner ear (ENG?) and said it wasn't my inner ear. I've seen a
neurologist who did an MRI and EEG to rule out MS, brain tumor or aneurysm.
I've been to an allergist because the episodes start in late Feb/early March
and seem preceded by drainage/cold symptoms. No allergies. Opthamologist
said no eye problem. My family doctor is at a loss. He's sending me to a
chiropractor to see if it's spinal or neck related. I am 99% sure it isn't.
Next on his list: accupuncture. I'm depressed and frustrated that nobody
seems to be able to help me. I'm a mother of three boys ages 6,3, and 16
months. This constant dizziness is so hard to handle. In the past year
that I've had this episode of imbalance it diminished but I was aware that it
is constantly there, especially when I get up in the morning or when I drive.
But twice it has flared up to the point of severe imbalance and nausea.
Once I had a 24-hour stomach virus and the dizziness returned to be like
when I first started it. THe second time was this week when I got a very bad
cold or possible flu with terrible pressure in my ears and a sensation of
needing to "pop" my ears. What do I do now? I can't live like this the
rest of my life. I need to make suggestions to my doctor. Thank you for
any help you can give me.
Reply: ----------------------
It sounds as though your medical workup has been appropriate to this point. Occasionally, chronic inner ear disorders do not fit nice and neatly into previously described conditions seen in medical textbooks and the commonly performed test batteries may fail to identify the cause of the problem. Considering the testing and evaluation that you have had to this point, I would recommend that you consider a consultation with a sub-specialist in otolaryngology known as an otologist or neuro-otologist. These are specialists whose area of practice is limited to conditions of the ear and inner ear.
--
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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