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What Causes Constant Vertigo, Sinus Infection And Dizziness?

Posted on Thu, 20 Aug 2015

Question: I've had vertigo for almost a month now. I had a sinus infection at the beginning of all this, was treated with antibiotics for it and got over the ear symptoms of it - pain, pressure, crackling in ears. Now I'm just left with dizziness. I went to an ENT and was told it was NOT a sinus infection and mentioned something called BPPV and told me to go to a neurologist. Haven't gone yet. The dizziness is only there when I move my head up and down, sometimes back and forth. If I sit or stand still, it is just fine. Its definitely worse in the mornings.
I also get eye flashes in my visual field but I've had that on and off for years - it always spikes when I get anxiety about something!
I did start taking 10 mg/day of Lexapro about 12 days ago because I got so anxious about this. I don't think the Lexapro is causing the dizziness because it started way before I started taking it, but who knows...
Any idea what this could be?
Thanks so much.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
BPPV is the likely cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Lexapro is unlikely to be the cause. Its likely to be BPPV, based on your description of the symptoms. BPPV or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is normally treated with maneuvers called Hallpike and Barany that your ENT or neurology specialist doctor can advise. It attempts to move the ottolith out of the circular canals. It can persist despite treatment with vertigo medication and these maneuvers. BPPV is relatively benign and may take weeks or a month for complete recovery. Please consult a neurologist for further management.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

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Dr. M.S. Khalil

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (17 minutes later)

Thank you for the response. I do have a few more questions -
Can general anxiety itself cause dizziness like this? S
What about TMJ?
And the ear issues I had at first - is that a symptom of BPPV or what was that all about?
Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Yes , general anxiety or stressful episodes can cause dizziness and even syncope.
TMJ is not related to dizziness. The ear issues appear to be related to BPPV. You would require a neurology consultation to be more sure about it as mentioned in the previous reply.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

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