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What Causes Dizziness In A Diabetic?

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Posted on Wed, 30 Aug 2017
Question: I have the sensation (actually see) of the room spinning for a few seconds while laying in bed each morning. There is no pain and the feeling leaves when I stand up. I am an 81 year old, type 1 diabetic and otherwise in good physical shape and under a doctors care and taking prescription drugs for the diabetes.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may be vertigo due to BPPV (benign paroxyxmal positional vertigo)

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

This is called vertigo and there are different possible causes.

Most commonly it is related to conditions to the inner ear such as (1)meniere's disease
(2)BPPV- benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
(3)vestibular neuronitis

There are other causes as well such as dehydration, low blood pressure, lesions in the brain, mass on nerve to the ear (Acoustic tumor).

Meniere's disease would normally cause vertigo for seconds to minutes, would usually be associated with hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing or other abnormal noises in the ear)

Vestibular neuronitis would cause vertigo for hours

Based on the history mentioned, you may have BPPV which causes vertigo for a few seconds, occurs with certain positions of the head.
Your doctor can confirm with certain maneuvers in the office

There is a maneuver called Epley maneuver that is used to treat BPPV if it is confirmed.
It involves a series of movements for about 5 mins. There would be instructions also available online

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Dizziness In A Diabetic?

Brief Answer: may be vertigo due to BPPV (benign paroxyxmal positional vertigo) Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic This is called vertigo and there are different possible causes. Most commonly it is related to conditions to the inner ear such as (1)meniere's disease (2)BPPV- benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (3)vestibular neuronitis There are other causes as well such as dehydration, low blood pressure, lesions in the brain, mass on nerve to the ear (Acoustic tumor). Meniere's disease would normally cause vertigo for seconds to minutes, would usually be associated with hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing or other abnormal noises in the ear) Vestibular neuronitis would cause vertigo for hours Based on the history mentioned, you may have BPPV which causes vertigo for a few seconds, occurs with certain positions of the head. Your doctor can confirm with certain maneuvers in the office There is a maneuver called Epley maneuver that is used to treat BPPV if it is confirmed. It involves a series of movements for about 5 mins. There would be instructions also available online I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions