Dizziness

[Rick789]

I have been experiencing dizziness issues for almost 2 months now, on and off at first but now all the time when moving around.  Took some antibiotics (azythromycin) for a sinus infection (from a walk-in clinic) and it helped for a few days but then came back even staying on the antibiotics.  Went to the ER because I was very concerned and couldn't wait to see my regular doc, they did CT scans of my whole body and found nothing wrong, sent me to a cardiologist.  Blood pressure and heart monitors for 2 days, came back normal (BP ranged from 120 to 142).  Also found out that I have Mitral Valve Prolapse, but a mild case and said it's nothing that would cause dizziness.  Blood work showed high level of calcium and low level of phosphorus.

First noticed the dizziness walking around a mall, thought I was going to collapse or faint.  Also noticed it a couple times right after eating.  Airplane takeoff made me feel like I was going to faint, as well as going up in an elevator.  Finally got to see my regular doc and they said my eustachian tube was probably blocked and told me to take regular Claritin and Flonase for 2 weeks.  It has been over 2 weeks and I'm still experiencing the dizziness, although not as bad, but still notice it when moving around, not when I'm sitting still.

The regular doc doesn't seem to know and I've asked to be referred to an ENT.  I think an inner ear problem would make sense with alot of the symptoms (airplane), but what about feeling dizzier when going into a large store or mall?  Is this because of air pressure difference?  Going back outside the store helps me feel better.  What about the dizziness and somewhat a shortness of breath right after eating?  Also have noticed strange pain in my neck and back once in a while but not all the time.  Anyone have this happen before or have any ideas what it might be?

[Nancy T]

Feeling dizzy in stores, malls, etc. or when looking at something like patterned wallpaper, venetian blinds, etc.--any visually busy or moving environment--is par for the course with many kinds of dizziness. Try not to let yourself "take in" the whole environment, don't look all around, don't think about being dizzy, don't EXPECT to feel panicky or dizzy--but just keep your mind's focus narrowly on what you are there to accomplish--your shopping list or whatever. That will help a lot. A strong outward focus on what you're DOING--your purpose--instead of how the inside of your head is feeling, or what you're looking at--really helps.

(This does NOT mean that the dizziness is "all in your head.")

The problem is that the vestibular (balance) system depends on input from three systems: the inner-ear balance apparatus; the eyes; and the somatosensory system, that is, pressure receptors in your feet and elsewhere that tell your brain where your body is. The brain integrates these three sources of information to keep you balanced. When there's a defect in one or more of these systems, or in the brain's ability to process them, dizziness is the result.

If your inner ear is damaged, for example, your brain relies more on the visual system to keep you balanced. So when you are looking at a busy visual environment, it kind of overloads the system and thus you get the sensation of dizziness.

Motion sickness occurs because there's a mismatch between the motion your body is feeling and what your eyes are seeing. (Think of watching a conveyor belt--your eyes say "we're moving," your body says "we're not moving," and the mismatch causes motion sickness after awhile.)

Seeing an ENT if you're not improving sounds like a good idea. Don't worry, the majority of people with dizziness get better within weeks or sometimes it takes a few months.

If you have migraines, be sure to mention this (although not all ear doctors know much about this). "Migraine-associated vertigo" or "migraine-associated dizziness" is actually a very common cause of dizziness and the associated visual sensitivity, although it does NOT have to be vertigo of the spinning type by any means.

Good luck!

[wondering12]

I have had similar experience lately, about 12 days ago I started getting dizzy during the day and didnt feel well, about 9 days ago I was diagnosed with Vertigo (appears things are moving or I am moving when they aren't).  I was put on medicine and it still did not go away, I saw my doctor and they did blood work, everything came back normal.....I am seeing an ENT on Wednesday as well to see if I have inner ear infection.  I have had 2 sinus infections in December so that may attribute to the inner ear.  I also have Mitral Valve Prolapse, but that doesnt really affect me, I have syncope which is when I pass out due to low blood pressure....at first I thought this might be from my blood pressure but its not.....its very scarey but hopefully the ENT will be able to give me a little better answers.  Otherwise I have an appt with an Neurologist next Thursday to rule out anything more serious.....