The Medical Consumer's Advocate
Vertigo associated with head positioning
Q:
Seeking information on above
subject. Have had above for three months, only when
putting head back or laying down. Had cat scan of
sinuses, showing severe sinus infection which was
treated. However still have initial vertigo. Will seek
further ENT treatment, but am looking for some one in
area XXXX specializing in above.
A: Take a look at my dizziness essay. When you finally
see an ENT, be prepared -- read the essay first and have all
of your facts together.
What you are describing sounds like
benign
positional vertigo. In
benign positional vertigo, particular head movements provoke
a whirling sensation (vertigo) which lasts only for a few
seconds. It is fatiguable (in other words, if you keep making
the same head movement, the intensity of the vertigo becomes
less and less each time). Does this fit your symptoms?
There are also certain rarer
conditions involving the arteries of the base of the brain ...
in these conditions, neck movements can also provoke
dizziness. Finally, "cervical vertigo" can occur in
people with severe neck arthritis or a recent neck injury,
such as whiplash.
I can't help you with finding an
ENT in XXXX. Your best bet is to call the nearest medical
school, ask for their ear, nose and throat department
(otolaryngology department, but unfortunately many people
have difficulty pronouncing otolaryngology), and then ask if
they have an OTOLOGIST. That's your man/woman. If you are not
sure where the nearest med school is, have your librarian
help you.