Dizziness after a viral infection

[dbranden]

I am hoping someone here can help me. I recently had what I think was the flu over Thanksgiving. I had muscle aches, a low fever, runny nose, etc. I also had pain in my face, mostly on the left side, under my left eye and around my ear. I recovered from the vrus and was feeling pretty much normal when about 10 days ago I suddenly felt like the ground was moving beneath me. I now have been dizzy for 10 days. I don't feel faint, I just feel unsteady, like I can't walk a straight line. It is much worse in the evenings.  I don't feel it laying in bed, and if I sit on the couch with my head supported I feel ok. Strangely, I do not feel it while driving. I few days ago I saw my doctor, and she said that my left ear was red and prescribed amoxicillin, but I don't feel any better. Does anyone know how long I can expect this to last? And does anyone else have similar symptoms? It is really getting me down, because even doing small things like grocery shopping are now quite difficult for me. I want to get back to normal, so any advice would be appreciated!

[Nancy T]

I'm not sure about bacterial infections (for which antibiotics are given), but viruses can affect the inner ear and cause dizziness. Usually the symptoms clear up in a matter of days or weeks, occasionally longer. If they don't improve, see an ENT, preferably an inner-ear specialist (otologist or neuro-otologist).

As for activity, take it slow, but do remain active. The key to getting over a viral inner-ear infection is to stay active once the acute phase passes. As your brain receives sensory input (from eyes, ears, feet, etc.) as you move around, it compensates for the damage to the balance nerve and you get better gradually over time. Keep moving (though without provoking your symptoms to the point where they're really bad) and stay safe. Good luck! If you begin getting worse instead of (slowly) better, tell your doctor and make sure they understand you're getting worse.

Nancy

[mimi1313]

Honestly it sounds like vertigo and I really don't know what else you can do that for that. It will get better it just take time.