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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Frequent Episodes Of Dizziness A Concern?

Two nights ago when I laid down to sleep, I had a spell of dizziness. That has happened again. Today I feel a light sense of dizziness off and on. The night time spell only lasted 5-10 seconds. I am 72 years old, male, good health overall. YYYY@YYYY
Wed, 12 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello.

Welcome to HCM.

Your dizziness seems to be a result of BPPV i.e. benign positional paroxysmal vertigo.

This arises due to a stone in the inner part of ear (which is concerned with balancing) and its movement every time there is movement of the head. Every time you move your head suddenly, the stone moves too and this gives rise to the feeling of dizziness.

It can be treated by repositioning the stone by a simple maneuver called Epley's maneuver which will be performed by your physician. Many times the stone repositions itself and the symptoms resolve spontaneously. On the other hand, in some cases medication may be needed.

The other possibility for your dizziness is some kind of stroke in the area of the brain called the cerebellum. Since you donot have any risks factors apart from age, it seems unlikely. However, if your symptoms continue despite treatment for BPPV, you may need an MRI to rule that out.

Hope this helps. Wishing you good health.

Regards,
Dr Geeta
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Are Frequent Episodes Of Dizziness A Concern?

Hello. Welcome to HCM. Your dizziness seems to be a result of BPPV i.e. benign positional paroxysmal vertigo. This arises due to a stone in the inner part of ear (which is concerned with balancing) and its movement every time there is movement of the head. Every time you move your head suddenly, the stone moves too and this gives rise to the feeling of dizziness. It can be treated by repositioning the stone by a simple maneuver called Epley s maneuver which will be performed by your physician. Many times the stone repositions itself and the symptoms resolve spontaneously. On the other hand, in some cases medication may be needed. The other possibility for your dizziness is some kind of stroke in the area of the brain called the cerebellum. Since you donot have any risks factors apart from age, it seems unlikely. However, if your symptoms continue despite treatment for BPPV, you may need an MRI to rule that out. Hope this helps. Wishing you good health. Regards, Dr Geeta