Dizziness following 1st bite or 1st drink

[smoodie]

I saw a posting by Jah1 and was surprised to see someone has the same symptoms as me of dizziness just as I start to eat, or take my first drink of anything.   I have been through a battery of tests for this problem such as EKG, ENG, CT Scan...etc.. All normal, so the answer was "sorry we just don't know what the problem is."  I am starting menopause, and thought it might be related....not sure.  So, I am living with it and trying to find the answer myself.  Can you help me?  

Smoodie

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Dizziness while eating could be due to acid reflux. The reverse flow of contents of the stomach cause a series of neurochemical transmissions, which cause dizziness. It is also related to changing pressure in the cochlear canals of the ear during this process. Normal GERD will not cause dizziness if under control. However a person with severe uncontrolled acidity or when such a person is hungry or his stomach is empty except for the acid, he may feel dizzy. Also presence of an ulcer in the stomach or weak esophageal sphincter can complicate matter. I would recommend you to see a gastroenterologist (a specialist who looks after the diseases of our digestive system).
The second possibility is that you have a TMJ disorder that precipitates dizziness once you start chewing. This is most likely cause.
Many patients with TMJ have dizziness. There are two possible causes. One is that when TMJ is inflamed inner ear is affected causing dizziness. The second possible cause is inflammation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) involved in TMJ and chewing.  You must consult a well trained Neuromuscular Dentist for an evaluation. You will need to get a CBCT or a 3D CT Scan done.  This will give the position of your TMJ concyles in relation to the ear. A more posterior placement can cause dizziness for some patients. Also, it is important to evaluate whether additionally you have elongated, calcified Stylomandibular Ligaments. This can cause pain while bending the neck and turning.
To get some relief from TMJ you can try massaging the sore muscles on the face.  Massaging the muscles does not help every one. Also if the procedure is nor correct, then it can further aggravate the problem. Try and locate the sore points on face. Then massage these points with short strokes. To massage the masseter muscles on each side of your jaw, place your thumb inside your mouth and squeeze the thick muscle in your cheek with your fingers. To massage the jaw muscles inside your mouth, use your index finger to probe and massage these spots.
Moist heat or cold packs on the face, vitamin supplements, or biofeedback are useful for some people. Usually people find a method that brings relief by trial and error. Consult an ENT specialist. Take care!

[cheshchesh819]

I used to get this and tiredness doctor treating me for an acid problem

[jlorik]

I've had that too!  I thought for a while it might be an early sign of diabetes or something like that, like a blood sugar thing.  I found it would not happen with certain foods or drinks, like coffee, which didn't make much sense to me because I put three sugars in my coffee haha.  I found the dizziness or light-headedness more pronounced with starchy foods like breads or french fries.  Also the longer I had gone without eating would seem to make it worse.  I just keep eating and ignore the dizziness as it goes away in a minute or two.  Seems like something that might be a sign of something more serious though.