What Causes Frequent Episodes Of Dizzy Spells?

Posted on Wed, 18 Jan 2017

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

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 Answered on

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had two dizziness spells over the past two weeks. Both have occurred during or just after physical exercise. I went to my doctor after the first and was treated with flonase and mucinex.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I agree with your doctor that an inner ear disorder could explain your symptoms.

Anyway, considering your age, I would recommend performing further tests to exclude other possible causes:

- a cervical spine X ray study for possible chronic degeneration of the vertebral column
- a Doppler ultrasound of the neck arteries to exclude possible narrowing and low blood flow to the brain
- a resting ECG.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr.Iliri

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (47 hours later)

I never got a reply to my follow up question I submitted yesterday.
1) If I feel dizziness coming on, what can I do to stop it.

2) How long will this condition last?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Regarding your concern, I would recommend:

- take some rest
- avoid abrupt movements of the neck or head
- take Dimenhydrinate 25mg three times daily to relieve your symptoms.

We can not determine how long this situation will go on, unless the cause is established.

That is why I would recommend consulting with an ENT specialist for a physical exam and labyrinthine tests.

If an inner ear disorder is excluded, I would advice perform the above recommended tests to investigate for other possible causes.

Hope to have been helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

ps.: This is your first follow up. Maybe a system error.

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