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What Causes Dizziness While Lying Down?
Question: My mother is 83 years old, she gets very dizzy, even when laying down, the doctors say she does not have Vertigo, but they don't tell us what it is. Can you help?
Brief Answer:
Causes can be many, tests are needed.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The causes of dizziness can be many, especially in the elderly and often many tests are needed to identify the reason. Actually in a percentage of patients, especially the elderly, even after extensive testing the cause is not found.
It would be useful to give some more info about the history such as:
-how long since the symptoms presented
-sensation experienced (spinning sensation, lightheadedness, general weakness, augmentation when changing position etc).
-evolution in time: persistent, if episodic frequency and duration of the episodes, precipitating factors.
-accompanying symptoms: headache, nausea or vomiting, tinnitus, hearing issues, palpitations, shortness of breath etc
-any other conditions (apart from COPD, emphysema, high blood pressure ) like arthritis, diabetes, neuropathy etc.
-medication being taken apart from meclizine (including medication for other conditions).
-tests she has had, like blood tests, brain imaging, hearing tests.
As I said the causes might be many. The most common ones are related to the inner ear vestibular, followed by brain lesions like a stroke or a tumor, more rarely peripheral neuropathy. Of course blood pressure fluctuations and lack of oxygenation due to her pulmonary issues should be considered. Unless a specific cause which can be corrected is identified treatment consists in drugs like meclizine which she's taking.
If you give me some more info on the questions I asked above about her history and exams, perhaps I could be more helpful.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Causes can be many, tests are needed.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The causes of dizziness can be many, especially in the elderly and often many tests are needed to identify the reason. Actually in a percentage of patients, especially the elderly, even after extensive testing the cause is not found.
It would be useful to give some more info about the history such as:
-how long since the symptoms presented
-sensation experienced (spinning sensation, lightheadedness, general weakness, augmentation when changing position etc).
-evolution in time: persistent, if episodic frequency and duration of the episodes, precipitating factors.
-accompanying symptoms: headache, nausea or vomiting, tinnitus, hearing issues, palpitations, shortness of breath etc
-any other conditions (apart from COPD, emphysema, high blood pressure ) like arthritis, diabetes, neuropathy etc.
-medication being taken apart from meclizine (including medication for other conditions).
-tests she has had, like blood tests, brain imaging, hearing tests.
As I said the causes might be many. The most common ones are related to the inner ear vestibular, followed by brain lesions like a stroke or a tumor, more rarely peripheral neuropathy. Of course blood pressure fluctuations and lack of oxygenation due to her pulmonary issues should be considered. Unless a specific cause which can be corrected is identified treatment consists in drugs like meclizine which she's taking.
If you give me some more info on the questions I asked above about her history and exams, perhaps I could be more helpful.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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