Lightheadedness/dizzy/head and ear pressure

I have had these symptoms and not been able to work for a month now. I have seen my primary care and 3 urgent care doctors, an ENT, and an emergency room Dr. where I had an MRI. The ENT doesn't think this is inner ear related because in I can pretty well keep my balance although referred me to vestibular clinic which I will go to tomorrow. The MRI showed a "developmental variant prominent cisterna magna without evidence of mass effect." They couldn't really give me an explanation of what that meant though said it couldn't have anything to do with my symptoms. I did get referred to a neurologist but he can't get me in till April (yikes!). Meanwhile I can't do my job as a Letter Carrier.

Further explanation of Symptoms: Constant lightheadedness, some dizziness. I would tend to describe the dizziness as a sloshy feeling instead because it feels more side-to-side than spinning. When I turn my head to the side and back it will feel like my head got pushed and it takes me a moment but I can pretty easily recover and keep my balance. Constant pressure around my head and in my ears. I've had tinnitus for many years but when this started the tinnitus suddenly got a lot worse. There are good moments and bad moments. Usually, when I have been up for around an hour (I can sometimes last a little longer) the pressure and lightheadedness increase and feels like my head gets heavier. I don't have a history of motion sickness so that at this point doesn't factor into this equation.

While I'm working with my doctor to try to find another neurologist that I could see sooner, I was wondering if I might be able to get some insight from the neurological perspective about my case and possibilities for some kind of relief of the symptoms?

[eternalsunshine]

Do not wait till April. Get a new refferal. You can call around to see who can take you soonern then ask your doctor for a refferal to that neurologist. I have the same symptoms but I have a lot of pain and other issues. I have probable MS. Not that you would have that but it really could be anything and you need to get in asap.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

It is good that you will be going to a vestibular clinic soon since your symptoms could be related to inner ear diseases like BPPV or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labrynthitis and Meneire’s disease. These conditions can cause dizziness, tinnitus and ear pressure.
BPPV is one condition which causes dizziness on head movement. It can be easily controlled by epley’s maneuver.
Let us know the results of your vestibular exam and if you have more questions.

[2sents]

I talked to my doctor about another referral. He is trying to work with the one to work me in sooner. As for the the Vestibular Lab visit... it was torture! I used to have fun with being dizzy but this was over the top (if anyone has questions about what this is like feel free to ask). I'm just glad I don't get motion sickness. All the doctor there could tell me at the end was there is definitely something wrong but more data had to be compiled and then reviewed. The packet was then going to be sent to the ENT doctor I saw (and my Primary care doctor). Unless my primary care wants to see me sooner, I have an appointment to see the ENT March 3. I am calling my PC today to make sure he got it and to see if he can tell me anything over the phone.

[2sents]

I went to the ENT yesterday only for him to tell me that basically my vestibular test results were within normal limits though I could benefit from balance therapy. Meanwhile, the ringing has gotten louder, weird pains in my eyes, hot flushed sensations in my head--sometimes one side or all over but still limited to my head. There are also the sensations of like being on a roller-coaster including the stomach flutters. Taking Xanax now which takes the edge off the symptoms.

Talked to my PC who won't refer me to a different neurologist but insists he'll get me in soon. However, he did say I could go the hospital emergency where he would see to it I get admitted and force a consult. I just might do that Friday after my wife gets back as she wants to be with me.

Thanks for your input.