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Suggest Treatment For Nausea, Lightheadedness And Loss Of Balance

Posted on Tue, 16 Aug 2016

Question: I have lightheadedness and feel of floating when I'm walking around. About two weeks ago nausea set in. I saw a doctor who said to take meclizine for nausea and dizzy spells. So far it took away my nausea and dizzy spells are not there, or if they are, they go away in a few seconds. I still feel lightheaded and my tongue feels like it's tingling or same sensation when you burn your tongue from eating something too hot. This has lasted a few days. My doctor said to wait a few more days to see how I do with meclizine, but I wonder if I should see a specialist too if my symptoms don't go away in a week. If so, which one? The symptoms remind me of vertigo but not as severe or even anxiety, and I've been dealing with these symptoms on and off for a month. Should I see a neurologist or ear, nose and throat specialist?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lightheadedness of a month's duration needs better evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXX,

Thank you for writing in,

I have gone through your question carefully.

Nausea, lightheadedness and feeling as if you are floating while walking indicate an inner ear problem, but could be related to brain stem problem as well. (Tingling/burning sensation of the tongue indicates nerve involvement)

In my opinion, you must consult an ENT surgeon as well as a neurologist.

I hope this answer is helpful, do write back to me if you have more questions for me.

Wishing you speedy recovery.

Warm regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (11 minutes later)

Thank you. I do have narrow eustachian tubes in my ears and I was told years ago it can lead to vertigo from allergies I get in spring and summer. I have not had any problems with vertigo in about 4 years and this time it seems similar but not quite the same (minor dizziness; the room does not spin). My doctor did not see anything wrong with my ears when he looked at them or when he looked inside my mouth/throat. I actually feel a lot better one day later from when I first reached out, but I think I should see a specialist next -- just to make sure. My thought was to go see a neurologist or an ENT. Knowing that I have vertigo issues in my background, does it make more sense to see the neurologist first or the ENT or does it matter?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
With your history, best to consult ENT first.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again Mr XXXX,

Thank you for getting back to me with more details, apologies for the delay.

Considering your history of Eustachian tube dysfunction and allergies, I would recommend consulting an ENT specialist first and if required she/he will refer you to a neurologist.

It is good to know that you are feeling better, however, it would be better to consult a specialist.

Best regards

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