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What Causes Sudden Vertigo?

Posted on Tue, 2 Dec 2014

Question: I have sudden onset of vertigo where I feel as if I am being pulled to the ground. Afterwards, sometimes for hours at a time, I feel dizzy and generally unwell. It feels as though my perception is off. This comes on for no apparent reason; all times so far have been while I've been sitting. I'm eating regularly and staying hydrated. I did see a doctor who tested me for diabetes and did a CT scan. Both tests came back clear. However, the opthemologist said he saw the nerves in my right eye were swollen. The doctor has now referred me to a Neurologist. If my blood test and CT scan came back clear, why do I need to see a Neurologist and what more tests could be done? Do I have to see the neurologist or will this just go away on its own? Is something for sure causing the swelling or can it just happen for minor reasons which will correct itself? I'm female, 32 years old, healthy weight.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you will have to consult a neurologist...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

Dizziness is a common symptom of various etiologies. A thorough history followed by a complete evaluation of the ear, heart, spine and the brain can help in diagnosing the cause.

Dizziness can be pure rotatory type or sense of imbalance. Most of the ENT and spine related dizziness are pure rotatory, whereas that of the other systems are a sense of imbalance.

The commonest causes are:
1. Menieres disease
2. Cervical spondylosis
3. Refractive errors
4. Orthostatic hypotension
5. Migraine
6. Electrolytes imbalance, etc.

As your ophthalmologist has found some problem in the retina which could be related to the brain or any neurovascular bundle, hence, you have been referred to a neurologist.

CT scan does not give a clear picture of the brain. MRI is the ideal investigation of choice for the brain and spine related issues. If a correct diagnosis is made, then the treatment remains simple and it can be easily cured. But making a diagnosis is a difficult and challenging task for the doctor.

Meanwhile, you can try taking betahistine. Betahistine helps in improving the blood circulation in the body and reduces the dizziness.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 days later)

I saw the neurologist and was diagnosed with a herniated disk in my neck, positional vertigo, and sinus arrythmia. However he said all neurological tests he did in his office did not show any signs of "neurological disorders". Now he has referred me to yet another opthemologist (within the same clinic). If they find it is on fact swollen the previous doctor says, then they do an MRI. I was told that MS is the most common cause of optic neuritis, is this true? What other conditions are the most common associated with this?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, it is...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Your doctor is thinking on the same line which I did. If you go through my previous query, I was trying to hint at the same diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Yes, one of the commonest causes of optic neuritis is Multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis can also cause dizziness.

Other autoimmune conditions, such as sarcoidosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, have also been associated with optic neuritis.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Please get all the investigations done as soon as possible.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Raju A.T