Dizziness is a term that encompasses a variety of sensations, including unsteadiness, faintness, a feeling of being lightheaded and spinning sensations. Because of the unstable feelings it causes, dizziness often results in nausea. Although one of the most common reasons for visits to the doctor, dizziness and accompanying nausea are usually symptoms of a minor underlying condition, according to MayoClinic.com. Occasionally, diseases causing dizziness or nausea can signal a serious problem.
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the inner ear structure called the labyrinth, which contributes to balance maintenance. The condition most often arises after an ear or upper respiratory infection, but can also occur as a result of allergies or certain drugs, according to Medline Plus. Symptoms of labyrinthitis include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty focusing the eyes, hearing loss in one ear, loss of balance and ringing in the ears. Labyrinthitis usually goes away on its own within a few weeks, but occasionally antibiotics may be given.
Meniere's Disease
Meniere’s disease is a condition characterized by a change in the volume of fluid that is present in the labyrinth. The cause of the volume change is not known. Symptoms of Meniere’s disease occur suddenly and vary in frequency and duration. These symptoms include dizziness, severe nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating and ringing in the ears. There is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but treatment focuses on reducing the body’s retention of water in an attempt to correct the fluid amount in the labyrinth. These treatment goals consist of low-salt diets that ban caffeine and alcohol and diuretics. Surgery to remove the labyrinth may be an option for those with severe cases of Meniere’s disease; however, this is rarely used because it results in permanent hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When the myelin sheath is destroyed, nerve cells cannot function properly and communication between the brain and the rest of the body is slowed down or stopped entirely. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include dizziness, numbness or weakness in the limbs, double vision, blurred vision, tingling sensations, pain, tremor and fatigue, according to MayoClinic.com. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but treatment consists of a combination of medications and physical therapy aimed at slowing progression and improving the symptoms of the disease.
