Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/28/2008

Question
Dear Dr.

  I was just going through some websites and happened to see this one.. I never write or ask questions at all. This is my first time and I hope it really helps me out. I'm a 26 year old male and I'm experiencing dizziness for the longest time now.  It started when i was about 15. So this is going on about 12 years and its scary.  I been to a few Dr's and they all just say "oh its probably manier diesese" you will be fine. But i know its not. I've had a mri of the brain they said everything is normal.  I been to an ENT no ear infection.  My symptoms are EVERYDAY.  It gets worse if i go on an elevator, look left or right, stand in one place to long, swimming, sometimes i will have trouble sleeping because i feel very weak n lightheaded. I work at a supermarket and its scary because sometimes when im walking i feel like im losing my balance and i have to stop and hope it goes away.  I never fell yet but i have been close. I'm so scared and i don't know what to do.  It's holding me back to start to police academy. I know i cant make it through w/ these symptoms.  Please is there any advice you could give me? thank in advance i hope somebody reads this email!

God bless!

Chris  

Answer
Hi Chris,
I'm sorry to hear about how long you have been suffering. There are so many causes for dizziness and any complaint, especially one as drastic as yours, needs to be investigated.  The good news is that the MRI ruled out the most serious causes.  However, there are several tests that can be done to help pinpoint the cause of your dizziness.  They are: basic audiometry with middle ear evaluation, otoacoustic emissions, Electronystagmography, and Auditory Brainstem Responses.  These tests evaluate the entire auditory and vestibular (balance) systems.  Once the cause is found...if indeed it can be...then you can get the proper treatment or therapy.  I am providing you with a website for the Vestibular Disorders Association of America. Not only is there wonderful information, but if you contact them, they will be able to guide you to someone in your area who can do the testing, etc. http://www.vestibular.org/index.php
Good Luck.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology