Strange Episodes of Dizziness: Seeking Insight
I'm a 19-year-old male, standing at 195 cm and weighing 85 kg, and I've been experiencing some peculiar episodes of dizziness. This began approximately two months ago while I was playing basketball; suddenly, I felt a wave of dizziness. The day following that incident, I noticed that each time I took a walk for a whole week, everything felt skewed, as if my vision was being pulled downward or that the environment was collapsing around me. Fast-forward to today, and while the intensity of these episodes has considerably diminished, I still don’t feel like my usual self. I have since begun taking sertraline, believing my anxiety might be the root cause of this dizziness. The nature of my symptoms has shifted; it now feels like a sort of non-spinning vertigo in my head while I’m walking, with a strong visual sensation of being drawn towards the ground. Additionally, a few weeks ago, I noted that my head felt oddly positioned forward, even though I was gazing straight ahead. I consulted with an optometrist, who assured me that my eyesight wasn’t to blame, and I saw a general practitioner who conducted basic tests, including blood work, which all yielded normal results. I find myself pondering whether this might be a vestibular issue that requires the expertise of an ENT specialist. Although the situation has improved significantly since two months ago when I struggled to walk for even two minutes without nearly losing my balance, I still don’t feel as normal as I once did. The sensation I’m experiencing is reminiscent of the adjustment period one goes through when acquiring a new pair of glasses. Any insight or guidance on what I should consider next would be greatly valued.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 6:10:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your episodes of dizziness have significantly impacted your daily life and activities, which can be understandably concerning. Your experiences may indeed stem from a variety of causes, and while anxiety could be contributing, other factors should also be considered.
Key Points:
- Nature of Dizziness: Your described sensations suggest a possible vestibular issue, especially given the visual distortion and spatial perception challenges.
- Monitoring Symptoms: It's excellent that you've seen both an optometrist and a general practitioner, but if your symptoms persist, further evaluation might be warranted.
Explanation:
Dizziness can arise from many sources, including vestibular disorders, anxiety, or even changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Since your dizziness improved over time yet has not completely resolved, it indicates that there may still be an underlying issue to explore further. The sensation you're describing could relate to how your brain is processing balance and visual stimuli, which is related to the vestibular system.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Log of Symptoms: Document when your dizziness occurs, how long it lasts, and any accompanying symptoms (like headache, changes in vision, etc.). This will help provide clear insights during follow-up discussions.
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Consider an ENT Specialist: Since the dizziness has not fully resolved and given your vestibular concerns, an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist can help rule out inner ear issues such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular neuritis.
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Evaluate Physical Activity Levels: Gradually reintroduce activities and notice if specific movements trigger dizziness. This can help you and your doctor pinpoint potential causes.
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Managing Anxiety: Since you're taking sertraline, continue monitoring how your anxiety relates to your symptoms. Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness practices, which can help you manage stress levels and potentially reduce dizziness associated with anxiety.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking enough fluids, as dehydration can contribute to dizziness.
You’re on the right track by seeking multiple opinions and recognizing the changes in your symptoms. If you feel any worsening of symptoms or new symptoms arise (like severe headaches, changes in vision, or prolonged dizziness), prioritize seeking immediate medical advice. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I'm here if you have more questions!
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