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What Causes Dizziness When I Close Eyes?

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Posted on Tue, 3 Mar 2015
Question: Feel lightheaded when i close my eyes to fall asleep. Had a normal EKG and heart x ray. Diagnosed with PVC's. Been happening for weeks now.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Could be anxiety or inner ear problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

sometimes our brain realizes the location of our body by using signals from the ears, peripheral sensors AND the eyes. The eyes signals are used to correct potential errors in the other sensors. Perhaps you're having some problems with the inner ear "position and movement" sensor that becomes evident when closing your eyes. This can be demonstrated during the clinical examination by a positive "Romberg sign". To elicit this sign the patient should stand still to assess the patient's balance. When ordered the patient closes the eyes. If the balance sensors are intact the patient won't lean to the right or left. If there's severe impairment of the sensors then the patient may even fall to the ground.

Since some symptoms would be expected even without closing the eyes and you haven't mentioned any, I suspect that your problem is rather related to anxiety which may mimic any disease and usually is exacerbated during the "lonely" hours (when we lay down to get some sleep).

If you have other associated symptoms, please mention them in a follow-up question. Otherwise visiting an ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist will clarify the inner-ear issue. In some cases the ENT specialist may ask for a consultation with a neurologist but I suppose it won't be needed in your case.

I hope you find my answer helpful!
If you still have questions about this subject, please contact me again.
I'll be glad to help more!

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 hours later)
Thank you! I also get really light head spells at random points. They don't last long, but can be alarming. No balance loss or anything. Its like a floaty/high feeling. I do have PVCs, but ive recently been to the ER .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
the same answer applies

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

it's the same. You should visit the ENT specialist for a check-up.
Usually when no objective findings are present (loss of balance etc) no organic disease can be detected.

Kind Regards!
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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What Causes Dizziness When I Close Eyes?

Brief Answer: Could be anxiety or inner ear problem Detailed Answer: Hello, sometimes our brain realizes the location of our body by using signals from the ears, peripheral sensors AND the eyes. The eyes signals are used to correct potential errors in the other sensors. Perhaps you're having some problems with the inner ear "position and movement" sensor that becomes evident when closing your eyes. This can be demonstrated during the clinical examination by a positive "Romberg sign". To elicit this sign the patient should stand still to assess the patient's balance. When ordered the patient closes the eyes. If the balance sensors are intact the patient won't lean to the right or left. If there's severe impairment of the sensors then the patient may even fall to the ground. Since some symptoms would be expected even without closing the eyes and you haven't mentioned any, I suspect that your problem is rather related to anxiety which may mimic any disease and usually is exacerbated during the "lonely" hours (when we lay down to get some sleep). If you have other associated symptoms, please mention them in a follow-up question. Otherwise visiting an ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist will clarify the inner-ear issue. In some cases the ENT specialist may ask for a consultation with a neurologist but I suppose it won't be needed in your case. I hope you find my answer helpful! If you still have questions about this subject, please contact me again. I'll be glad to help more! Kind Regards!