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What Causes Vertigo, Lightheadedness And Imbalance?

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Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015
Question: Vertigo, sudden debilitating attack. Hospitalized 1 day for observation. All Labs Ok. CAT SCAN OK. STILLL experiencing episodes of spinning, eyes closed and open.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Some information about Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Did your doctor give a name to what type of vertigo you have?

Given that your CT scan was normal, the most common kind of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. This type of vertigo affects many people and seemingly comes out of nowhere. The room spins with or without the eyes being open or not. This happens when changing the position of the head.

BPPV happens when crystals that are in the inner ear move into the semicircular canals in the ear. They do not belong in the semicircular canal and cause sensitivity to head position.

Eventually they can return to their normal position and the vertigo can resolve. If not, an ENT specialist can perform an Epley maneuver to try to correct it.

Here is a Youtube video that explains what causes BPPV and shows an exercise to do at home that might treat it. XXXX

If this does not help, you should follow up with an Ear Nose Throat doctor or Otolaryngology specialist.

Although BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo, if your doctor thinks there is a neurological or autoimmune cause then this should be pursued.

I have had vertigo in the past and know how uncomfortable and limiting it can be. I hope this information helps and you are soon feeling better.

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. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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What Causes Vertigo, Lightheadedness And Imbalance?

Brief Answer: Some information about Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Did your doctor give a name to what type of vertigo you have? Given that your CT scan was normal, the most common kind of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. This type of vertigo affects many people and seemingly comes out of nowhere. The room spins with or without the eyes being open or not. This happens when changing the position of the head. BPPV happens when crystals that are in the inner ear move into the semicircular canals in the ear. They do not belong in the semicircular canal and cause sensitivity to head position. Eventually they can return to their normal position and the vertigo can resolve. If not, an ENT specialist can perform an Epley maneuver to try to correct it. Here is a Youtube video that explains what causes BPPV and shows an exercise to do at home that might treat it. XXXX If this does not help, you should follow up with an Ear Nose Throat doctor or Otolaryngology specialist. Although BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo, if your doctor thinks there is a neurological or autoimmune cause then this should be pursued. I have had vertigo in the past and know how uncomfortable and limiting it can be. I hope this information helps and you are soon feeling better.