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Equilibrium Problems

Sent to Health Experts August 29 2006 at 5:55 AM
   

I am a 59 year old female and have not completely gone through menopause. I have been experiencing equilibrium problems. It started about 2 months ago. Upon sitting up on the edge of the bed, I felt as if the floor was coming up at me and I had to lie back down for this to stop. This was the worst of the episodes. Now, while lying in bed if I turn over the very act of moving my head causes attacks. I feel as if the lamp is pulsating and moving towards me. If I close my eyes and lie very still it stops. The feeling is not dizziness as this would cause severe nausea and I experience none. Also, the inside of my ears itch and tingle. Could this be caused from fluid in the inner ear. My Doctor checked my ear and said it looked okay but this was just outside the eardrum. Thank you for your help.

 

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Female , Age: 59

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
August 29 2006 at 6:19 AM (23 minutes and 33 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an inner ear problem that causes a spinning or whirling sensation (vertigo) when a person moves his or her head a certain way. It is believed to occur when debris collects in the inner ear canals. Vertigo that lasts less than a minute is the main symptom of BPPV. The vertigo is triggered by a certain head movement. Treatment usually involves a series of head movements to move the debris in the inner ear to a position that does not affect balance. BPPV may briefly go away but can return without warning. Avoiding the positions that cause vertigo may prevent symptoms . For more information please click the links just below:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001420.htm

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/benign_positional_vertigo/article_em.htm

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Reply
August 29 2006 at 7:26 AM (1 hour and 7 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
Reply to V. Yetimyan   M.D.'s Post: Can this debris be removed by a Doctor and would it be an eye, ear nose and throat specialist?
Also, would this cause the irritation and intense itching on the inside of the ear canal?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 29 2006 at 7:58 AM (31 minutes and 27 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

This debris can be taken care of by the canalith repositioning procedures, or "the Epley maneuver," . It is done by the Ear-Nose-Throat specialist.

Irritation and intense itching on the inside of the ear canal probably caused by an external ear infection and can be taken care of by an ear drop with corticosteroid and antibiotic in it most of the time.

Please click the green accept button if my answer is helpful to you. A positive feedback rating and a bonus would be encouraging. If you have any further questions please feel free to ask. Take care , Dr.Yetimyan.

V. Yetimyan M.D. -- Doctor -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2820 Health Accepts
Physician for 20 years with experience in hospital patient care.
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