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Are Dizziness And A Feeling Of Vertigo Signs Of An Ear Infection?
Posted on
Fri, 1 Jul 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 1 Jul 2016
Answered on
Mon, 18 Jul 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : My dad keeps getting dizziness once in 3 months, he is 72 years old. We did angiogram fearing any cardiac trouble, but it was normal. His BP seems normal during these episodes but he feels a sense of vertigo. He is not diabletic and has normal blood pressure. He takes multiple medications as he had a byepass graft replacement 15 years back. He is healthy, walks well and has no issues apart from this? Could the reason be an ear infection of some sort or is this linked to anything else serious?
Brief Answer:
This will require further evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Get an ear examination and hearing tests done. This will include ear drum examination, a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and an Impedance Audiogram (Tympanogram, if the ear drums are intact).
2. If the vertigo is short lasting and on change of position with respect to gravity, then it is likely to be BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), which is the commonest cause of ear related vertigo. This is curable with exercises.
3. Other common causes include dizziness due to ageing (presbystasis), Meniere's Disease, side effects of hos medication and so on. A Neurotologist or an ENT specializing in vertigo will be able to examine, test and differentiate the causes. Some signs such as nystagmus (abnormal eye movements) require direct observation. Medication can also be prescribed to control the vertigo. It is good to hear that any cardiac causes have been ruled out and his blood pressure and sugar levels are normal.
4. Upload the test results here for discussing further treatment options.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
This will require further evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Get an ear examination and hearing tests done. This will include ear drum examination, a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and an Impedance Audiogram (Tympanogram, if the ear drums are intact).
2. If the vertigo is short lasting and on change of position with respect to gravity, then it is likely to be BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), which is the commonest cause of ear related vertigo. This is curable with exercises.
3. Other common causes include dizziness due to ageing (presbystasis), Meniere's Disease, side effects of hos medication and so on. A Neurotologist or an ENT specializing in vertigo will be able to examine, test and differentiate the causes. Some signs such as nystagmus (abnormal eye movements) require direct observation. Medication can also be prescribed to control the vertigo. It is good to hear that any cardiac causes have been ruled out and his blood pressure and sugar levels are normal.
4. Upload the test results here for discussing further treatment options.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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