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Why do I feel dizzy when I turn my head to one side?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I suffered from hypoxia, and since then, I have been experiencing an issue. Something strange happens in my ear that leads to spinning. When I lie down and turn my head to one side, nothing happens, but when I turn it to the other side, my head starts spinning. When I get up, the spinning becomes more intense. It usually lasts for three to four days and gradually slows down over time. In addition, I also feel a bolus sensation when it occurs.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Vandana Andrews

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Andrews is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician specializing in General Medicine. She has expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive healthcare, and patient education. Skilled in treating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory infections, Dr. Andrews is known for her compassionate, patient-focused care. She is committed to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based medical services to individuals and families across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

From your description, it sounds like you are experiencing Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common inner ear condition where small calcium particles in the balance organ (inner ear canals) get displaced. This causes spinning sensations (vertigo), especially when you turn your head to one side or when getting up from bed. The fact that it lasts for a few days and then gradually improves also fits with BPPV. The “bolus” feeling in your ear may be due to ear pressure or an imbalance in the inner ear.

Treatment usually involves:

  • Repositioning maneuvers like the Epley maneuver or Brandt-Daroff exercises, which a doctor or physiotherapist can guide you through, to move the displaced crystals back to their correct position in the ear.

  • Avoid sudden head movements until the vertigo subsides. Medicines such as Betahistine, Meclizine, or Cinnarizine may be prescribed temporarily to reduce dizziness and nauseaIf symptoms persist or worsen, an ENT (ear-nose-throat) specialist should examine your inner ear and balance system to rule out other causes.

Most people recover well with the right exercises and simple treatment.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At October 28, 2025
Reviewed At October 28, 2025

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Andrews is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician specializing in General Medicine. She has expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive healthcare, and patient education. Skilled in treating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory infections, Dr. Andrews is known for her compassionate, patient-focused care. She is committed to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based medical services to individuals and families across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Andrews is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician specializing in General Medicine. She has expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive healthcare, and patient education. Skilled in treating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory infections, Dr. Andrews is known for her compassionate, patient-focused care. She is committed to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based medical services to individuals and families across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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