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What Causes Dizziness In Tobacco Smoker?
Question: My boyfriend is 53 years old and smokes. Is on no medications. For the past few years off and on he has had episodes where his eyes will cross and then he feels dizzy. It usually lasts about a minute (lately). What could be causing this
Brief Answer:
It may be caused by an inner ear problem or a neurological disorder
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for your question on HCM!
Regarding your concern I think that these symptoms may be caused by an inner ear problem or a neurological disorder like Epilepsy or a narrowing of the vertebral arteries, causing a low blood flow to the posterior part of the brain. A cervical spondylosis can also cause similar symptoms, as it causes further narrowing of the vertebral arteries from the degenerated cervical bones.
I would recommend to consult with a neurologist and have a good physical examination. A cervical column x-ray and a Doppler Ultrasound of the cervical arteries would be helpful.
I would also recommend to consult with the ENT specialist to exclude possible inner ear problems.
If the above tests result OK an EEG would be necessary to exclude a possible rare type of Epilepsy.
Hope to have been of help!
Greetings!
Dr. Iliri
It may be caused by an inner ear problem or a neurological disorder
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for your question on HCM!
Regarding your concern I think that these symptoms may be caused by an inner ear problem or a neurological disorder like Epilepsy or a narrowing of the vertebral arteries, causing a low blood flow to the posterior part of the brain. A cervical spondylosis can also cause similar symptoms, as it causes further narrowing of the vertebral arteries from the degenerated cervical bones.
I would recommend to consult with a neurologist and have a good physical examination. A cervical column x-ray and a Doppler Ultrasound of the cervical arteries would be helpful.
I would also recommend to consult with the ENT specialist to exclude possible inner ear problems.
If the above tests result OK an EEG would be necessary to exclude a possible rare type of Epilepsy.
Hope to have been of help!
Greetings!
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
here's a question per my boyfriend:
"I've always had sinus problems. I can't blow my nose because it makes my ears plug. I caught a cold while in London and on the flight back I felt really sick (lots of head pressure) Since this flight, I get sick every time I fly(and I've always enjoyed flying), plus now when I shave its like I can hear a bubble in my cheek. And my ears get cold very fast, even during just a cold breeze to the point of a bad earache. To me it's as if my sinuses have been able to drain back in to my ear area. Have you ever heard of this?
"I've always had sinus problems. I can't blow my nose because it makes my ears plug. I caught a cold while in London and on the flight back I felt really sick (lots of head pressure) Since this flight, I get sick every time I fly(and I've always enjoyed flying), plus now when I shave its like I can hear a bubble in my cheek. And my ears get cold very fast, even during just a cold breeze to the point of a bad earache. To me it's as if my sinuses have been able to drain back in to my ear area. Have you ever heard of this?
Brief Answer:
The sinuses and ears are connected inside the head.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I read your question carefully.
I would say that there is a connection between the sinuses and ears inside the head. They also both drain in the nasal cavity, so a cold can affect their both drainage from inflammation of the mucosa, causing changes of pressure in these two intracranial spaces. So sinus congestion and stuffiness can affect the pressure in your ears. Treating sinus congestion may help overall discomfort and pain from that pressure. A sinus infection can also cause dizziness, headache and double vision.
I would recommend to use a nasal saline spray several times a day, or hold a warm, moist washcloth to the face. This can help relieve sinus pressure,pain, and also ear pressure.
For the headache painkillers like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are very helpful.
I would also recommend to consult with the ENT specialist, which can help you resolve this problem.
Further examinations like a sinus x-ray or CT scan may be necessary to examine better the sinuses.
Hope to have been helpful!
Feel free to ask any other questions!
Greetings!
Dr. Iliri
The sinuses and ears are connected inside the head.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I read your question carefully.
I would say that there is a connection between the sinuses and ears inside the head. They also both drain in the nasal cavity, so a cold can affect their both drainage from inflammation of the mucosa, causing changes of pressure in these two intracranial spaces. So sinus congestion and stuffiness can affect the pressure in your ears. Treating sinus congestion may help overall discomfort and pain from that pressure. A sinus infection can also cause dizziness, headache and double vision.
I would recommend to use a nasal saline spray several times a day, or hold a warm, moist washcloth to the face. This can help relieve sinus pressure,pain, and also ear pressure.
For the headache painkillers like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are very helpful.
I would also recommend to consult with the ENT specialist, which can help you resolve this problem.
Further examinations like a sinus x-ray or CT scan may be necessary to examine better the sinuses.
Hope to have been helpful!
Feel free to ask any other questions!
Greetings!
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
So do you think that my boyfriend's problem with his eyes crossing and dizziness. Along with his sinus problems are connected and could be some sort of cavernous sinous issue. Either major or minor.
Your information has helped push my boyfriend harder towards getting help especially that he health insurance.
Your information has helped push my boyfriend harder towards getting help especially that he health insurance.
Brief Answer:
Yes! It seems to be a sinus problem, maybe cavernous sinus.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes, I think that it may be a sinus problem. The cavernous sinus can cause eyes crossing as the main nerves that are responsible for the eye movement go into this sinus.
But a sinus problem would also be associated with fever, headache or nasal congestion.
I would recommend you again to consult with the ENT specialist, who can examine the nasal cavity to see the points of the sinus drainage for inflammation.
A nasal or sinus discharge culture, besides the above mentioned tests would be necessary to define if it is an allergic problem, fungal or bacterial and choose the proper treatment.
A brain CT scan or MRI are the best examinations for the sinuses, to locate exactly the problem.
I am glad to have been of help!
I am disposable for any other questions!
Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Yes! It seems to be a sinus problem, maybe cavernous sinus.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Yes, I think that it may be a sinus problem. The cavernous sinus can cause eyes crossing as the main nerves that are responsible for the eye movement go into this sinus.
But a sinus problem would also be associated with fever, headache or nasal congestion.
I would recommend you again to consult with the ENT specialist, who can examine the nasal cavity to see the points of the sinus drainage for inflammation.
A nasal or sinus discharge culture, besides the above mentioned tests would be necessary to define if it is an allergic problem, fungal or bacterial and choose the proper treatment.
A brain CT scan or MRI are the best examinations for the sinuses, to locate exactly the problem.
I am glad to have been of help!
I am disposable for any other questions!
Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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