Suggest Treatment For Severe Vertigo And Drowsiness

Posted on Thu, 9 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 9 Mar 2017 Answered on

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have suffered with vertigo for several years starting in 2010 if not earlier. It would started out with walls spinning. then one day I was sitting and feeling cross eyed. Instead of the wall spinning it started jerking and I could hear a jerking sound in my head. At each jerk of the wall it would force me to the side until I was leaning almost upside down over the arm of the chair. Now mostly I don't see the spinning wall. I just feel dizzy or like I feel the spinning but don't see it. It causes me to stagger and stumble like I am drunk if I try to walk. These symptoms had gone away for a few months and just started back up recently. But now I also have a fast onset of drowsiness. Like I feel like my eyes are crossing because I am so sleepy. I lay down and pass right out and sleep hard for an hour or longer. I wake up to the dizziness/vertigo , staggering ect. And its not long before I am incredible sleepy again and feel weak.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vertigo

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HealthcareMagic and thanks for putting up the query
You are having vertigo. It can be central I.e. some reason in brain or it can be peripheral I.e. reason in inner ear. This can be established only on examination and investigations. Please tell me what investigations you have undergone and what medicines have u been taking so far? Tell me all the information so that I can suggest you better.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (40 hours later)

I have had vertigo for years. Doctors have never given me a reason for it. However it is the sudden and extreme sleepiness combined to it that is scaring me. it is like I took Strong sleeping pills

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Vertigo

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the follow up query.
Vertigo can be due to many reasons as I have said. a thorough examination and history is required to reach any diagnosis.
Sleepiness is probably due to sedative medicines. Please tell me what medicines have u been taking so far.
Sleepiness and imbalance can be due to some neurological condition. Please visit a neurologist for proper examination and treatment. Also get your blood pressure checked. Get a pure tone audiometry done to rule out any neural loss in ears.
Are you taking any anti hypertensive or any medication for any other clinical condition?
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (23 hours later)

I will ask my pcp for a referral to a neurologist. I have been told that fibromyalgia which I have been diagnosed with causes vertigo and sleepiness just like chronic fatigue syndrome. The sleepiness is definitely not caused by sedatives. I have been taking meclizine off and on for years for the vertigo. The only other thing I take that would or could cause drowsiness is hydrocodone 10 mil. I have taken that for years also off and on and it doesn't cause me to be drowsy. Thank you for your answers. I am concerned that it may be some kind of on going damage in my right ear or worse something neurological. Thank you again

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vertigo

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for putting up the query
The medicines you are taking don't cause sedation. You should definitely consult a neurologist. The cause of sedation can be neurological or endocrine.
Please update me after the neurologist's opinion.
Any further questions are always welcome.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks and 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. Yogesh D