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What Causes Floating Particles In Inner Ear?
Brief Answer:
Try Epley's maneuver
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing to HCM.
If you are indeed sure that your wife has floating particles within her inner ear based on previous episodes then it is very likely that she has a condition known as BPPV - Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. If not then she is recommended to have a full evaluation with an ENT specialist.
She needs an ENT consultation in either case and I do realise that it will only be possible to get one on monday.
In the mean time you may try any of the following
1. If a vestibular sedative such as beta histine (8 mg) or cinarazine (25 mg) tablets are available over the counter at a pharmacy then you may consider giving her any one of these twice daily till you show her to an ENT on monday.
2. You may try the Epley's maneuver once today and tomorrow to send the floaters back into the semi circular canals. If you haven't been taught to do this previously after earlier episodes, you may get videos on how to perform this online. This maneuver is generally taught to the patient and is performed by the patient or relatives to treat such episodes and prevent recurrences.
3. Avoid movements that trigger vertigo and take her to the ER if her vertigo episodes worsen(last longer than a few minutes, 1-2 minutes) or are accompanied with projectile vomitings or fever or confusion.
She is on a lot of medications, some may have also precipitated the vertigo (lasix can lead to postural hypotension). Have her evaluated by her ENT or her physician to have the medications reviewed.
Hope this helps. Do let me know if you have any further questions.
Try Epley's maneuver
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing to HCM.
If you are indeed sure that your wife has floating particles within her inner ear based on previous episodes then it is very likely that she has a condition known as BPPV - Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. If not then she is recommended to have a full evaluation with an ENT specialist.
She needs an ENT consultation in either case and I do realise that it will only be possible to get one on monday.
In the mean time you may try any of the following
1. If a vestibular sedative such as beta histine (8 mg) or cinarazine (25 mg) tablets are available over the counter at a pharmacy then you may consider giving her any one of these twice daily till you show her to an ENT on monday.
2. You may try the Epley's maneuver once today and tomorrow to send the floaters back into the semi circular canals. If you haven't been taught to do this previously after earlier episodes, you may get videos on how to perform this online. This maneuver is generally taught to the patient and is performed by the patient or relatives to treat such episodes and prevent recurrences.
3. Avoid movements that trigger vertigo and take her to the ER if her vertigo episodes worsen(last longer than a few minutes, 1-2 minutes) or are accompanied with projectile vomitings or fever or confusion.
She is on a lot of medications, some may have also precipitated the vertigo (lasix can lead to postural hypotension). Have her evaluated by her ENT or her physician to have the medications reviewed.
Hope this helps. Do let me know if you have any further questions.
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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