Q&A

Subject: Dizziness

From: CF

I suddenly (in the middle of the night) developed violent dizziness (spinning and unable to keep my balance at all). Blood tests and ear exam (simple) were performed. Now my dizziness is only when laying down, putting my head back or forward, turning my head while laying down. No diagnosis, no prescriptions. Any suggestions? Thanks

I may be making a big assumption that, having been seen by an ear specialist and by having medical evaluations (blood work), that these eminent professionals do not see an alarming cause of your dizziness.

There is a syndrome called "benign positional vertigo" which includes the majority of dizzy folks. Changes in body position (lying down, turning over, bending or even standing) can trigger attacks. The term benign refers to the fact that no significant pathology is suspected.

Desensitization training is often quite effective in controlling the problem. This therapy is administered by physical therapists or by specially trained audiologists. First you need to be comfortable that your doctor has considered and ruled out physiological disorders which might cause your balance problems. Some of the tests used in evaluating these problems, in addition to the basic hearing evaluation, include postureography, electronystagmography and otoacoustic emissions.

Good Luck.
Solveig