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Is Sudden Lightheadedness A Symptom Of Vertigo?

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Posted on Mon, 22 Aug 2016
Question: Last night I woke up with felling that everything was spinning before eyes. I got up while hanging to things and walked into the bathroom and while feeling did go away, it did leave entirely. Today things are better but the feeling still comes, particularly until I look up or walk into a bright, XXXXXXX area after having been in a cool. dark room.
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Judging from your description of vertigo and since you do not describe any other symptoms which could indicate a cause such as stroke (balance and coordination difficulties, slurred speech, double vision, weakness or numbness of the body on one side etc) I would say an inner ear issue is indeed more likely as you yourself seem to suggest.

Regarding the exercises you mention I think you mean the Epley maneuver. While it is true that you can perform it by yourself at home, initially you must be seen and taught it by someone. That is because the direction of the initial rotation depends on which side is affected and that you can't precise by yourself, someone like a physician determines it through a maneuver called the Dix Hallpike test.

As for medication to alleviate the symptoms, the most commonly used would be an antihistamine drug like Meclizine.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Is Sudden Lightheadedness A Symptom Of Vertigo?

Brief Answer: Read below. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Judging from your description of vertigo and since you do not describe any other symptoms which could indicate a cause such as stroke (balance and coordination difficulties, slurred speech, double vision, weakness or numbness of the body on one side etc) I would say an inner ear issue is indeed more likely as you yourself seem to suggest. Regarding the exercises you mention I think you mean the Epley maneuver. While it is true that you can perform it by yourself at home, initially you must be seen and taught it by someone. That is because the direction of the initial rotation depends on which side is affected and that you can't precise by yourself, someone like a physician determines it through a maneuver called the Dix Hallpike test. As for medication to alleviate the symptoms, the most commonly used would be an antihistamine drug like Meclizine. I remain at your disposal for other questions.