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Severe Lightheadedness When Bending Down Or Moving My Head Suddenly

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Posted on Sat, 14 Sep 2019
Question: Severe lightheadedness when bending down or moving my head suddenly like turning my head


severe light headedness when bending down or a sudden movement of the head


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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (13 minutes later)
i have no answer yet to my original
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a likely cause- details below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query.

Dizziness worse on head movements is often caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
In this case, movements cause some precipitations to move in the area of the ear that is responsible for the balance and result in dizziness.

This is not a serious condition in itself but it may be dangerous if it results in falls.
It is important that you see your doctor and have the Dix Hallpike maneuver (certain head movements) to diagnose it.

Your doctor will also, during the visit, check your blood pressure, pulse, check your heart and lungs and also do a neurological exam to make sure these are well as well. Any neurological symptoms, if present is very important and needs to be reported (numbness or weakness in limbs or other areas, difficulty swallowing or recent changes in the vision field, etc).
Sometimes, depending on the findings the doctor may ask for some blood tests (CBC, ERS, fasting glucose, basic metabolic profile) and others (ECG or heart ultrasound).

If BPPV is diagnosed then Epley maneuver can be done in the office to help the precipitations move out of the areas that are responsible for the balance and relief the dizziness. This is an easy maneuver that brings almost total relief of the dizziness without a need for medications.

If the doctor finds any other abnormality (in the tests and examinations mentioned above), specific treatment addressing it will be needed.

Meanwhile, make sure you keep yourself hydrated (drink plenty of fluids) as low blood pressure may affect the dizziness. Also, try to stand up gradually and do slow movements so you do not get any sudden falls and risk head trauma or other bone fractures.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

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Severe Lightheadedness When Bending Down Or Moving My Head Suddenly

i have no answer yet to my original