Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 8/17/2008

Question
Hi, I am 43 years old and had a dizzy spell 6 weeks ago and have been having them about once a week since.  At first it was when I was standing or walking, but now the last two dizzy episodes have happened when I was sitting at a desk.  I do have a odd feeling of being light headed and off balance, it is hard to describe, but I do not have any headaches or pain in any other part of my body.  I have went to to the doctor and had a exam which showed nothing and lab work was done, which is fine.  My aunt is a nurse and she thinks my problem is probably inner ear.  Can you tell me what may be causing this and what I may be facing in the future?  Surgery, etc. What type of Doctor do you think I should go to and will I have to get a referral from my doctor to see?

Answer
Hi Sandy,
There are so many causes of dizziness. Problems with the inner ear can cause dizziness but so can fluctuations in blood pressure and/or blood sugar, stress, hormones, immune dysfunctions,and tumors, just to name a few.  The only way to know is to have a thorough evaluation by an ear specialist, an ENT.  He will order special tests of the inner ear system to determine if this is the source of your dizziness.  Without knowing the cause, I cannot tell you what you may be facing in the future. As for getting a referral from your doctor, that would depend on your insurance.  You will have to check with them.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology