Is it normal to have dizziness after ear infection treatment?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had an ear infection in my left ear about a month ago, and my doctor prescribed Amoxicillin twice a day for a week. I went back shortly after and the ear infection moved to my right ear and my left ear was not any better so she prescribed Z-pack for five days. I finished my Z-pack last week and I am better overall, but I still feel a little dizzy when sitting down. When will that go away?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Does the giddiness last for long? Is it only momentary? Is it spinning or weakness? Is there any hearing deficit?

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You need to get a few things done.

1. Ascertain the condition of drum. Now, that infection is mostly subsided, we need to see if there is any fluid accumulation inside an intact drum that can cause this feeling of floating. Or see if the drum itself is perforated and if so what is the extent of it and what is the condition of mucosa inside it.

2. Need to get a pure tone audiogram and tympanometry done to check if there is any deterioration of hearing. Many times acute ear infection can release chemicals which can pass into the inner ear and cause neural loss which if left unattended can result in permanent damage to hearing. If diagnosed early we can ameliorate it.

3. Vestibular functioning tests and some clinical tests to check if there is any vestibular deficit. This would involve checking balance, walking, eye movements, nystagmus, cerebellar system, fistula test, etc. We can give you vestibular suppressants like Vertin or Stugeron or Stemetil but they will only mask the problem without removing the cause. Do revert back for further support. Till then take some rest and avoid sudden jerky movements of head.