What Causes Dizziness And Nausea Along With Vomiting?

Posted on Sun, 14 Jun 2015

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

Sun, 14 Jun 2015 Answered on

Mon, 6 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Since the last 2 days, my mother is feeling dizzy and nauseated. She can not sit-up for more than 5-10 minutes before she feels dizzy again. She has thrown up atleast 4-5 times in the last 2 days. I suspect it might be to do something with spondylitis. This symptom occurred 2 months back as well and in an informal chat with a family doctor,they suggested that it might be the case that she is suffering from 'Vertigo' and prescribed the medication as given in the 'prescription note' (attached). We followed that and she recovered within 3-4 days. Suddenly 2 days back, it reoccurred. She is not able to eat anything and we are giving her ORS solution. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be BPPV - should be evaluated by a ENT specialist.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. Your mothers problem can be due to BPPV ( beningn paroxysmal positional vertigo). It should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.

ENT specialist will do some manoeuvres to find out whether it is central or peripheral vertigo. In case of suspection of central CT or MRI of brain will be required to rule out the cause.

In cervical spondylosis also some get vertigo by changing positions. You can give over the counter drugs like dimenhydrinate (dramamine) or meclizine (bonine). Proton pump inhibitors like prilosec also can be given decrease gastric irritation. This is also available over the counter.

Check her blood pressure also.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (58 minutes later)

Thanks.

While we will take her to an ENT specialist, any posture related precautions / exercises which could be helpful?...

She does like to spend 6-8 hours watching TV while resting on the bed and her neck seems to be hinged against the back rest of the bed in an awkward position. Not sure if that is useful for the back / neck.

Also, should we get a collar for her?

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can give a soft cervical collar.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.

Thank you for your follow up query.

You can give a soft cervical collar for wearing. Staying in one position might gives her relief. Changing positions of head will give vertigo.

Watching television for long time in such positions will make the cervical spondylosis worse. She has to use a comfortable chair which helps to rest the back and neck in normal position while watching television. No other precautions needed.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar