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I've been experiencing dizziness for the past few

Sent to Health Experts March 15 05:08 PM

I've been experiencing dizziness for the past few weeks. I feel like I have sea legs and my eyes hurt to move. When I look side to side I feel unsteadly, as if I am on a boat. One episode of dizziness felt as if someone pushed me over to the left very hard and I became light headed. I went to the ER and had a CT of the brain that was normal. Blood work was normal, etc. Went to ear specialist and all was normal as well.

My doctor said I can go for an MRI if I would like. Should I do this? I am concerned bc they have not given me a diagnosis (other than a guess that it's an inner ear virus of sorts). The MRI would cost me $ 800 out of pocket, and considering that I already had a CT scan, I'm wondering if I need it. Is there something the MRI might find in my brain that a CT scan would not?

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 30

Already Tried:
CT scan, blood work...all normal.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 15 5:18 PM (9 minutes and 35 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
You are describing labrynthitis or vestibular neuronitis see http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic637.htm

http://www.webmd.com/hw/ear_disorders/aa75306.asp

The concern was 'do you have a brain tumor' the question was answered with the ct scan.
Putting off any further expensive studies is not going to change how you are treated. Try the suggested medications for the symptoms you experience and if it doesn't resolve as expected, you can always have the mri done at that point.
best wishes


DrStephanie
Reply
March 15 5:23 PM (5 minutes later)
         
Reply to S. Sarisky DO.'s Post: Thank you! My doctor mentioned MS--is this something I should be worried about? I read on line that brain CT's do not always detect tumors. Is that not entirely accurate. I haven't really been given any course of treatment, just told to let it run it's course. With that said, you don't think I should hit the panic button yet?

Thank you again.
Answer
March 15 5:28 PM (5 minutes and 1 second later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Personally, I would be comfortable with a negative ct scan regarding tumor. I wouldn't get all fired up about ms just yet. Treat for vestibular neuronitis and see how it goes. I am very blunt about when to hit the panic button and I am not even close.
Hope this is helpful to you


DrStephanie
Reply
March 15 5:30 PM (1 minute and 44 seconds later)
         
Reply to S. Sarisky DO.'s Post: The other thing that bothers me is that my dizziness is not vertigo...it's like a being on a boat. I just feel very unsteady at all times. Does that still sound inner ear related?

I promise this is the last question! Thanks so much!
Answer
March 15 5:38 PM (7 minutes and 46 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
If you'd like to chat I'm back
Sea sickness is a common description for people with labrynthitis


DrStephanie
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