Vertigo Causes

Dear Ask The Doctor: I had a bought with vertigo following a sinus infection in Sept that I was given antibiotics for and finally it went away in November. I saw an ENT and he said he saw nothing unusual in my ears. Now it is change of seasons again and I felt stuffy last week and now started with the vertigo again. Mostly it affect me at night when I turn over and if I move my head to fast while upright. Should I see the doctor again? I do not feel comfortable driving when I have this.

Dear Nancy: There are many conditions which cause vertigo. The nature of your vertigo suggests possible Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). In this condition, vertigo occurs when patients change the position of their heads, for example, going from a sitting to lying position or vice versa. BPPV usually resolves on its own. There are usually no abnormalities found on physical examination. The diagnosis is made by taking a careful history. Another condition to consider Meniere's Disease ( a disease of the inner ear). This disease is also associated with ringing in the ears, severe nausea, vomiting and hearing loss. You should see your ENT surgeon to confirm the diagnosis and receive the appropriate treatment.