What Causes Vertigo?

Posted on Thu, 4 Sep 2014

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

Thu, 4 Sep 2014 Answered on

Fri, 26 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,
I am a 45 yr old female, no significant health issues, active, normal weight, no history HTN, seizures, diabetes etc. this evening I had an episode - similar to fainting or vertigo. Things got "wavy, dizzy, couldn't focus my vision, lost balance & dropped to ground. I didn't lose conscience but head felt like it was weighted. These sensations lasted a good 5 min. Followed by headache & nausea. Thinking back I have has a similar episode before but not as severe. I didn't eat much today, but not out of the ordinary for me & did consume a light meal...this event occurred while eating dinner. My speech, reflexes & thought process were not affected. Curious on thoughts? Scared my children & frankly myself a bit.. I am supposed to travel this evening on a business trip, but not sure I feel safe to do this? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Eris Ranxha (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Vertigo

Detailed Answer:
Dear
I am sorry for what happen to you this evening
It seems you are suffering from vertigo probably the cause may be your ear
Eating can increase the symptoms as we have brain hypoperfusion during meals
Anyway I would recommend to schedule some test just to be sure that everything is ok
Blood test (to exclude anemia)
An EKG
A brain CT scan
And an otorhinology (ENT) consult

In the meantime I would start you on betahistine to avoid similar episodes

I don't think you have reason to worry too much

Hope my answer will help you
Best regards
Dr Eris Ranxha
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad