Dizzy spells

[bishnoi]

Few months back I was diagnosed for Lichen Planus and prescribed to apply Ultravate (powerful corticosteroid ointment). Overuse of it lead to parasthesia (tingling in hands and feet). All complications where parasthesia is a symptom have been ruled out. A month after discontinuation of the ointment, started getting head aches and dizziness(no vertigo). With advil/aleve medication, pain and dizziness subsided. 2 weeks later dizziness came back with a vengeance. Will be doing an MRI. Did the steroid treatment expose an underlying dormant issue or its overuse is the cause for the dizziness. Can anyone give an answer to the problem or throw some light. Thanks.

Bishnoi

[bishnoi]

Thanks for your reply and greatly appreciated.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Since the steroid was just used as an ointment with minimal systemic absorption, the described dizziness and headaches are unlikely to be related to its use. Possibilities that may need to be considered include low/ high blood pressure, low blood sugar, primary cranial headaches, head and neck infections/ inflammations, cranial neuralgias, vascular issues, primary neurological causes etc. I would suggest getting this evaluated by an internist initially and depending on the causes diagnosed/ suspected, it can be managed accordingly or specialist care may be sought.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!