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What Causes Vertigo, Extreme Dizziness, Balance Issues And Nausea?
Posted on
Sun, 29 Apr 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 29 Apr 2018
Answered on
Mon, 6 May 2024
Last reviewed on
Question : I have severe episodes of what has been diagnosed as Vertigo. Extreme dizziness, balance issues and nausea. I've been told there is really nothing to do about it by my ENT doctor other than PT for the balance issues. I've heard that certain drugs can contribute to the problem. I take Glyburide and metformin for my diabetes and Lisinopril and amlodipine for my blood pressure. Both are well controlled. A1C is usually 6.5 to 6.8 and blood pressure is 114 to 130 over 65 to 75. I do smoke (a pack a day) and have a cocktail or two every day. The balance issues have taken my golf handicap from around 3 to over 12. It ain't much fun anymore. I'm 71 and about 15 lbs overweight for my height. I have what I feel are good doctors and trust them, but I would like a second or third opinion on some additional options. Thanks in advance. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Possibly due to sensorineural degenerative changes involving inner ear
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. You have developed vertigo and balance issues. Sensorineural degenerative changes or even certain viral infections can give rise to such presentations as you have described. The organ of hearing lies in our inner ear (vestibulocochlear apparatus) and is also associated with the sense of balance. This is usually due to age related degenerative changes involving this structure in the inner ear. Vestibulocochlear stabilizing agents like cinnarizine or betahistine might be needed. Please discuss with your treating physician whether they would be right for you.
If it does not subside in 2-4 weeks, an audiometry would need to be done to understand the exact nature of the problem. Interventions can be done accordingly, if possible.
I need to ask you if you have caught a cold. There is a thin tube on each side connecting between the inner throat and the middle ear (Eustachian tubes). The purpose of these tubes is to equalize the air pressure inside the middle ear cavity. Mucus block of these tubes leads to pressure imbalance leading to indirectly affecting the vestibulocochlear apparatus. Steam inhalation should help as water in form of vapor will reach deep inside. It would help in diluting the mucus, thus providing relief.
The blood pressure issue is seemingly unrelated and does not seem to be a cause for concern. Same about HbA1c levels.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Possibly due to sensorineural degenerative changes involving inner ear
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. You have developed vertigo and balance issues. Sensorineural degenerative changes or even certain viral infections can give rise to such presentations as you have described. The organ of hearing lies in our inner ear (vestibulocochlear apparatus) and is also associated with the sense of balance. This is usually due to age related degenerative changes involving this structure in the inner ear. Vestibulocochlear stabilizing agents like cinnarizine or betahistine might be needed. Please discuss with your treating physician whether they would be right for you.
If it does not subside in 2-4 weeks, an audiometry would need to be done to understand the exact nature of the problem. Interventions can be done accordingly, if possible.
I need to ask you if you have caught a cold. There is a thin tube on each side connecting between the inner throat and the middle ear (Eustachian tubes). The purpose of these tubes is to equalize the air pressure inside the middle ear cavity. Mucus block of these tubes leads to pressure imbalance leading to indirectly affecting the vestibulocochlear apparatus. Steam inhalation should help as water in form of vapor will reach deep inside. It would help in diluting the mucus, thus providing relief.
The blood pressure issue is seemingly unrelated and does not seem to be a cause for concern. Same about HbA1c levels.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Dr. Saha,
In addition, I live in Florida and have had some sinus problems from time to time. I find that I blow my nose quite a few times per day. When I do, I seem to get a greenish yellow discharge from only my left nostril. This has gone on for several weeks. I have an appointment with my ENT on the 16th and want to ask the correct questions. Is there a chance that this discharge could be related to a minor infection in my inner ear on the left side? Thank You, XXXX
In addition, I live in Florida and have had some sinus problems from time to time. I find that I blow my nose quite a few times per day. When I do, I seem to get a greenish yellow discharge from only my left nostril. This has gone on for several weeks. I have an appointment with my ENT on the 16th and want to ask the correct questions. Is there a chance that this discharge could be related to a minor infection in my inner ear on the left side? Thank You, XXXX
Brief Answer:
No need to worry about the yellowish green nasal discharge
Detailed Answer:
There is a minimal possibility of association of the nasal discharge with middle ear infection (not inner ear) although it is not quite likely.
Sinusitis is an infection of sinuses, the air pockets contained in our skull. It is most often caused due to viral although occasionally there is a superadded bacterial infection present. Antibiotics or any other medicines cannot reach the sinuses properly and sinuses have a poor blood supply. Antibiotics may relieve the superadded bacterial infections, but the unresolved underlying infection may flare up subsequently. Taking steam inhalation can provide relief as it helps in opening up the openings of the sinuses that have been blocked by thickened mucus. Water in form of vapour will reach deep inside and will help in dilute the thickened mucus.
Take rest and plenty of fluids to drink. You may take naproxen 500 mg tablet when required, in case you have pain.
You need not worry. Hopefully it would be get well soon. You would need to seek additional medical help in case of respiratory distress or increased wheezing.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
No need to worry about the yellowish green nasal discharge
Detailed Answer:
There is a minimal possibility of association of the nasal discharge with middle ear infection (not inner ear) although it is not quite likely.
Sinusitis is an infection of sinuses, the air pockets contained in our skull. It is most often caused due to viral although occasionally there is a superadded bacterial infection present. Antibiotics or any other medicines cannot reach the sinuses properly and sinuses have a poor blood supply. Antibiotics may relieve the superadded bacterial infections, but the unresolved underlying infection may flare up subsequently. Taking steam inhalation can provide relief as it helps in opening up the openings of the sinuses that have been blocked by thickened mucus. Water in form of vapour will reach deep inside and will help in dilute the thickened mucus.
Take rest and plenty of fluids to drink. You may take naproxen 500 mg tablet when required, in case you have pain.
You need not worry. Hopefully it would be get well soon. You would need to seek additional medical help in case of respiratory distress or increased wheezing.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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