Persistent head pressure after labarynthitis

[dizzy007]

Hi
I was diagnosed as having labarynthitis 4 weks ago and given stemetil for the dizziness. The constant dizziness has gone but i still get random dizzy episodes around 6 times a day. My problem is all this time i have had constant pressure inside my head around the top and front of my head and a sharp stabbing pain on right side of brain sort of in the centre. My vision also blurs from time to time and i'm periodically forgetful, particularly when trying to speak and choose words. Pain killers don't seem to work. I'm also getting random stabbing pains in my hands and ankles. Can anyone tell me whats going on. My doctor doesn't seem to be too concerned and said just rest and drink liquids. Any help would be appreciated.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

There are many causes of dizziness. Some include a condition called benign positional vertigo (BPPV), which is due to small particle in the inner ear that moves out of place, and can be repositioned with simple head maneuvers. The symptoms often include vertigo that occurs with turning of the head, often while turning over in bed. Another cause, if your symptoms are associated with tinnitus (ear ringing) and hearing loss is called Meniere’s disease and can be treated with medications and sometimes surgery. And so on, several other causes from inner ear problems exist. Dizziness can also be secondary to a lesion in/around the brain. The most common is a benign tumor called a schwanoma (also called acoustic neuroma). This is diagnosed by MRI of the brain. Multiple sclerosis can cause vertigo, but often, other symptoms are present as well. A normal MRI of the brain excludes multiple sclerosis. Thyroid problems can also lead to vertigo.

However, with the headache symptoms you describe, you may have a variant of migraine called basilar migraine. Basically this is marked by several hours of vertigo associated with nausea, light-sensitivity, and sometimes other symptoms. Headache may or may not be present. The treatment is different from that used to treat other migraine types; the treatment in this case is a type of medication called calcium channel blocker, such as verapamil, which is actually used to treat blood pressure but works in type of basilar migraine as well.

I agree that you should be evaluated by a neurologist. It would be important to get more history of your headache. It may be a migraine.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[dizzy007]

Thanks

I went back and seen a different doctor who took plenty of blood to see if anything else was going on. He also mentioned a trip to the hospital to see the neurology department. I'll see how i go. ATB

[BobDAV]

I have suffered from labyrinthitis for decades and have some of the symptoms you've described, but from other causes, such as pinched nerves, infections, etc. Some of those symptoms do not sound related to the labyrinthitis & should be checked out with a different doctor if the one you have won't pursue it.