Dizziness After Surgery, Possibly BPPV

Dear Ask The Doctor: I had an appendectomy on Monday and I have been experiencing extreme dizziness ever since. I stopped taking pain meds day after surgery. When I move my head I feel very dizzy. Any reason? Could this be from surgery?

Dear Kristen: The sudden onset of your symptoms coupled with your recent surgery suggest the possibilty of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). In this condition, dizziness occurs with change in position of the head. The dizziness may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. You will need to see an ENT specialist for confirmation and appropriate treatment. There are several medications and manuevers that may be employed to treat the condition. Surgery is usually employed as a last resort.