I experience dizziness mostly when looking downward after taking plane flights. Eventually it stops but I still think I should understand why this is happening and if I can prevent it. This past flight, L.A. to N.Y. I tried decongestant, noise cancelling headphones, sea-bands, and drank only water and juice. Five hours after the flight the sense of "turbelence" returned and remains, so far. I am also prone to car sickness but do NOT experience nausea on a plane.
Reply: -----------------------
Most likely you are simply experiencing motion illness. Motion illness in most cases simply represents a heightened or exaggerated physiologic response to stimulation of the balance portion of the inner ear. In other words, it is not necessarily a manifestation of a disease state, but rather simply reflects, in essence, a very sensitive inner ear. Some individuals are more prone to motion illness than others. Why this is so is not always clear. The measures you have tried for this problem would primarily help to prevent eustachian tube problems - they may not be very effective for motion illness unless the motion illness were directly related to eustachian tube problems - usually experienced as pressure and discomfort in the ears during descent of the airplane. Problematic motion illness might better be prevented with the use of vestibular sedatives - those available over-the-counter include Bonine or Dramamine. Sedating antihistamines such as Benadryl or Dimetapp might also be helpful for some individuals. Check with your personal physician to see what he might recommend of these suggestions. For more severe problems, prescription medication may be recommended such as Meclizine.
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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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