My husband acquired an outer ear infection two years ago. At the hospital, he was treated for a bacterial infection. Three days later, he suffered facial paralysis and severe pain in his ear and right side of his head. After being admitted to the hospital, it was discovered he had shingles and the virus had spread to his brain. He underwent six months of therapy for his accompanying dizziness and vestibular problems. Now two years later, he is still dizzy and has numerous balance problems. He cannot drive or perform normal activities. He only gets relief when he lies down; so much of his life is spent in bed. If he had been given Valtrex the first day he went to the hospital, he may not be as bad as he is. The doctor says that the nerve from the inner ear to the brain is damaged, as well as two facial nerves. He looks like he had a stroke. He must walk with a cane to support himself so he does not fall down. He is taking gabapentin for the pain and meclizine for the dizziness along with an antidepressant. He is soon to start another round of therapy for the dizziness.
Comment from: Bernice, 35-44 Female (Patient)Published: October 13
For the past 2 months I have experienced a wavy, unsteady, floating disorientation. I was diagnosed with strep throat and prescribed meds for strep and that is when I recall it 1st started happening. I thought the feeling was a result of the meds. I am afraid to drive and cry continuously because I feel unsteady and blurry. I am afraid to move my head. The feeling comes in waves continuously when I am up and moving, it even occurs when I am laying down if I move my eyes or head. It is quite frightening to me. The meclizine prescribed does not seem to work for me. I have had no relief, but have only been taking it 3 days so far. I do have a history of bi polar disorder (manic depression) diagnosed 10 years ago and take Seroquel, Xanax, Cymbalta and Ambien. I feel increased anxiety daily as the meds continue to disappoint me.
Comment from: Pam, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: August 26
I have no definite diagnosis at this time. For over 5 years I have battled vertigo, dizziness, migraines, and actually falling down. First diagnosis was MS. Then that changed to a stroke. Now, an inner ear disorder. My hearing is intact so the ENT doctor could not help me. My neuorologist now believes it is something with the labyrinth. I have tried numerous medications. Now surgery may be in the future with the risk losing my hearing attached to it. Is there anyone with the same frustration over being unable to accurately diagnose the problems?
Comment from: Collette, 35-44 Female (Patient)Published: October 30
Seven years ago I was diagnosed with BPPV-Benign Paroximal Positional Vertigo. For over a year I was dizzy. Then in July of this year, I began to have the symptoms again, dizziness, falling, nausea. I was put through epply maneuvers, it didn't make a difference. I am seeing a really good neuro-otolaryngologist now and I have also been diagnosed with vestibular migraines as well as an inner-ear dysfunction. It is quite debilitating, but with a low grade level anti depressant to help with the vestibular migraines, I have seen some relief with the actual dizziness. He may recommend surgery for the BPPV, if the medications are not successful. My suggestion, don't get up too fast, when you are walking pretend there is a heavy magnet on your feet to ground you. My neurological therapy has really helped. I use a cane only outside of the house, so that I won't become dependent. But it does assist me in my balance. I wish you all well.
Comment from: di, 45-54 FemalePublished: October 24
I was diagnosed with vertigo spells about 11 years ago. I bent down to pick up my infant daughter and that was all she wrote! I could barely stand back up - everything felt like it was moving. My head was spinning and I felt nauseous. I was scared to death. After I sat for a while the sensations slowed down. When I had another episode a while later (maybe within a year), I went to the doc and was diagnosed with vertigo. The Epley exercises were recommended. Similar to one of the writers here, mine has to do with head positioning. I cannot sleep on my left side - has to be the right side. I can usually tell when I get out of bed in the morning if I will have an episode. I will sometimes get little warning signs - slightly dizziness or a little wave of imbalance. Anyway, I have pretty much learned my limitations - NO amusement park rides, not a lot of physical activity at once, i.e, squatting and lifting, painting walls or ceilings, swimming underwater. My nurse at work suggested I take a decongestant when I feel any symptoms. My biggest struggle right now is not knowing when I might wake up feeling like crap. I usually miss a day of work then another day is spent being very careful with how I bend over, walk, etc. I also have a dull headache the next day. But if this is all I have to deal with from a physical standpoint, I can handle it!
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Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, or even fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.
A brain tumor can be either benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), primary, or secondary. Causes and risk factors include age, gender, family history, and exposure to chemicals. Symptoms range from headaches, leg and feet numbness to seizures. Treatment is dependant upon the type and location of the brain tumor.
Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of dizziness include low blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, dehydration, and more. Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause.
Migraine is usually periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head. These may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity of the eyes to light (photophobia), increased sensitivity to sound (phonophobia), dizziness, blurred vision, cognitive disturbances, and other symptoms. Treatments for migraine headache include therapies that may or may not involve medications.
Panic attacks are sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep. A person experiencing a panic attack may believe that he or she is having a heart attack or that death is imminent. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them. Most people with panic attacks experience several of the following symptoms: racing heartbeat, faintness, dizzyness, numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers, chills, chest pains, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of loss or control. There are several treatments for panic attacks.
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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease which progressively injures the nerves of the brain and spinal cord, reflected by alterations of virtually every sensory or motor function in the body. The cause of MS is primarily unknown. There are different types of MS including relapsing-remitting MS, primary-progressive MS, and secondary-progressive MS. Symptoms of MS rang from mild to severe and examples include visual disturbances, muscle weakness, spasm, and fatigue. Decreased concentration, memory loss, and impaired judgment. Treatment for MS is generally with medications.
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Middle ear infection or inflammation (otitis media) is inflammation fo the middle ear. There are two types of otitis media, acute and chronic. Acute otitis media is generally short in duration, and chronic otitis media generally lasts several weeks. Seventy-five percent of children in the U.S. suffer from otitis media at some point. Treatment depends upon the type (chronic or acute).
Motion sickness, often referred to as car sickness, sea sickness, or air sickness, is a very common disturbance of the inner ear that is caused by repeated motion. The cause of motion sickness is complex. Symptoms of motion sickness include vomiting, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, sweating, and a feeling of malaise. Treatment of motion sickness include antihistamine medications such as meclizine (Bonine, Antivert, Dramamine), and scopolamine (Transderm Scop) a skin patch.
Orthostatic hypotension symptoms include lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, and syncope or passing out. Causes of orthostatic hypotension include dehydration, anemia, medication, blood loss, low blood pressure, heat related illnesses and more. Treatment of orthostatic hypotension depends on the underlying cause.
Trichinosis is a food-borne disease caused by ingesting parasites (roundworms) in undercooked pork or wild-game meat. Symptoms of trichinosis include diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches, itching, fever, chills, and joint pains. Trichinosis usually resolves without treatment, but more severe cases are treated with thiabendazole, albendazole, or mebendazole.
Meniere disease (idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is an inner ear disorder with symptoms that include vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and the sensation of ear fullness. Diuretics, anti-vertigo, anti-nausea and low salt diets are the primary treatment for Meniere disease. Surgery may be recommended if the vertigo cannot be controlled with medication.
Balance is a state of body equilibrium or stability. We often take for granted how dependent we are on a healthy balance system. When the system breaks down, however, patients will describe symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, or motion sickness.
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Noise-induced hearing loss may be an acoustic trauma (temporary hearing loss), or permanent due to an acute acoustic trauma. Experts agree that continual exposure to more then 85 dBs (decibels) is dangerous to the ears. Ear plugs and ear muffs can help prevent noise-induced hearing loss as well as decreasing exposure to loud noises.
Hearing loss (deafness) may be present at birth or it may manifest later in life. Deafness may be genetic or due to damage from noise. Treatment of deafness depends upon its cause.
Brain cell function requires a constant delivery of oxygen and glucose from the bloodstream. A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. Blood flow can be compromised by a variety of mechanisms.
Blockage of an artery
Narrowing of the small arteries within the brain can cause a lacunar stroke, (lacune
means "empty space"). Blockage of a single arteriole can affect a tiny area of brain causing that tissue to
die (infarct).
Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to the brain. There are four major blood vessels that supply the brain with blood.
The anterior circulation of the brain that controls most motor activity, sensation, thought, speech, and emotion is supplied by the carotid arteries.
The posterior circulation, which supplies the brainstem and the cer...
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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My husband acquired an outer ear infection two years ago. At the hospital, he was treated for a bacterial infection. Three days later, he suffered facial paralysis and severe pain in his ear and right side of his head. After being admitted to the hospital, it was discovered he had shingles and the virus had spread to his brain. He underwent six months of therapy for his accompanying dizziness and vestibular problems. Now two years later, he is still dizzy and has numerous balance problems. He cannot drive or perform normal activities. He only gets relief when he lies down; so much of his life is spent in bed. If he had been given Valtrex the first day he went to the hospital, he may not be as bad as he is. The doctor says that the nerve from the inner ear to the brain is damaged, as well as two facial nerves. He looks like he had a stroke. He must walk with a cane to support himself so he does not fall down. He is taking gabapentin for the pain and meclizine for the dizziness along with an antidepressant. He is soon to start another round of therapy for the dizziness.
Related Reading: ear infection | shingles | dizziness