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What Causes Lightheadedness When Tilting The Head Back While Laying On The Back?
Question: when my husband is flat on his back and tilts his head back with in 1 minute he get sick to his stomach and very light headed, feels very bad. If he turns his head slighty to the side it helps to lessen the feeling. This is the only time he feels this way. He's very active and has never had this problem. This is the second time this has happened. He is trying to install a back up camera on his truck.... He had to stop 2 weeks ago because he got so sick and could not finish the job. Start working on it this morning and it happened again.
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
Hello & thank you for submitting your question to HCM.
These symptoms sound like benign positional vertigo. The inner ear contains a structure called the labyrinth which helps control balance. In benign positional vertigo, this structure is particularly sensitive to certain head movements--especially head tilted back-- which cause the sensation of being off balance. Other than natural aging or an occult (non detectable, asymptomatic) inner ear infection, the causes are often unknown. Head trauma or previous ear infection may predispose to developing this condition. Severe stress, dehydration or extreme changes in atmospheric pressure can worsen the symptoms. It would be reasonable to see a physician in person for a physical examination and diagnostic testing. Trearment options may include certain physical therapy exercises/maneuvers and /or anti vertigo anti emesis medication.
If your husband develops any additional symptoms such as numbness, extreme visual disturbance, weakness or slurred speech, please see an emergency room physician immediately.
I hope his was helpful and that your husband can resume his work soon.
Sincerely,
Dr Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
Hello & thank you for submitting your question to HCM.
These symptoms sound like benign positional vertigo. The inner ear contains a structure called the labyrinth which helps control balance. In benign positional vertigo, this structure is particularly sensitive to certain head movements--especially head tilted back-- which cause the sensation of being off balance. Other than natural aging or an occult (non detectable, asymptomatic) inner ear infection, the causes are often unknown. Head trauma or previous ear infection may predispose to developing this condition. Severe stress, dehydration or extreme changes in atmospheric pressure can worsen the symptoms. It would be reasonable to see a physician in person for a physical examination and diagnostic testing. Trearment options may include certain physical therapy exercises/maneuvers and /or anti vertigo anti emesis medication.
If your husband develops any additional symptoms such as numbness, extreme visual disturbance, weakness or slurred speech, please see an emergency room physician immediately.
I hope his was helpful and that your husband can resume his work soon.
Sincerely,
Dr Galamaga
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
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