is this Labyrinthitis?

[dizzed]

hi. just would like to ask for some medical opinion.
I've been experiencing this "weird dizziness" and occasional spot headaches for almost 2 weeks now. The headaches are mild, the dizziness is annoying. It's like a "hangover" that wouldn't go away.

I've been to an Opthalmologist and an ENT doctor last week. And they said everything was normal, good eyes, normal ears. And i was diagnosed negative for vertigo. They said maybe it's just stress, but i've been getting a lot of rest now, and the dizziness still continues. It's kinda improving now, but I'm still quite dizzy. And the weeks-long duration really bothers me.

At first i was thinking plain vertigo. But the ENT doctor said it's not vertigo since there's no infection in my middle ear, only it's a little dry. He checked my throat and saw some small lumps on it, he said it's an allergy of some sort and advised me to gargle after eating.

Are all vertigoes associated with a middle ear infection?
I'm also having this feeling that something itchy is in both of my ears, like a fluid, but actually there is none. just the feeling. I've read so much in the internet that i think it already made me a hypochondriac. anyways, i'm thinking a list of my symptoms would help you docs, to have an idea on what might this be. Symptoms include:

-Dizziness (24/7 for almost 2 weeks now)
-Occasional spot headaches (mild; locations vary)
-Tinnitus
-Itchy feeling in the insides of both ears (like a liquid flowing)
-I feel better in the mornings (less dizziness and headache)
-I sleep well, though i wake up sometimes because my ears are "itchy."

Hope you can help me with this. It's really hard to explain how this feels to someone because they all jump into conclusions. I hope writing them down would be a lot better than describing it in words.
Thank you, docs. More Power to you all!

[bossbookie]

I have the same symptoms and I agree. I found out that I have sleep apnea. And sleeping with my cpap machine made me feel better for a while, but I think I need to go get another sleep study to get my machine re calibrated. Sinus problems runs in my family. And I feel like I've been cursed with the worst sinus infection ever. But get tested for sleep apnea. It may help with some of your dizzy spells.

[sirjoseph]

it could also be allergies. i have symptoms like that but the dizziness is more of a disconnected feeling or a dropping sensation. anyway i really dont have classic allergy symptoms besides morning congestion and heavy head. it feels like a hangover. i was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and postnasal drip and i dont know for sure what the connection to the dizziness but that was the diagnosis. i still worry about it being something serious like a heart problem but there are enough sinus and ear symptoms that go with it to make me think its sinus and middle ear related.

[dizzed]

Thank you very much for your opinion, Ms. Nancy T. I think i'll have another check-up this weekend. The dizziness (lightheadedness) is quite gradually disappearing. But it's still bothering though.
I really hope this aint serious.
Thanks again and i'll go ask the docs.

[Nancy T]

Could possibly be migraines, given the headaches. Read about migraine-associated vertigo and see what you think.

Labyrinthis typically causes two or three days of intense dizziness/vertigo followed by gradual recovery. Doesn't sound like that's what you had.

"Dizziness" and "vertigo" are just symptoms--vertigo is not a diagnosis. "Vertigo" is usually used to mean an illusion of movement of the environment (the world spinning) or of the person (you spinning or moving). "Dizziness" is a more general term that can encompass feeling woozy, lightheaded, faint, unsteady, wobbly, etc. But there are no strict medical definitions of either "vertigo" or "dizziness", so don't worry about the distinction.

Many things can cause dizziness, from stress/anxiety to inner ear problems to brain problems to heart problems. The VAST MAJORITY of cases of dizziness are benign (not life-threatening). Work with your primary care doctor to figure it out.

If an eye doctor and ear doctor couldn't help you, try a neurologist if the dizziness continues, and/or an ENT who SPECIALIZES in dizziness (called a neurotologist, also spelled neuro-otologist).

By the way, mine is not a medical opinion--for that, post your question on the Ear, Nose, and Throat ask-the-doctor forum (on the right side of the main forums page).

Good luck,
Nancy T.