# Can an inner ear infection cause dizziness? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 16, 2025, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426 "2025-05-16T02:10:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2025, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/1 "2025-05-16T02:10:07Z")
For about three weeks, I had the following symptom. When I laid down in bed an my left side, I would experience 2-3 seconds of the room spinning. When I sat up from lying on my left side, likewise. It never affected me if I laid down from or got up from my right side. Then, as suddenly as it appeared, the whole episode disappeared. There were a couple days at the end of lighter symptoms and then nothing. Never felt anything sitting or standing during the day. It was like a temporary infection that then disappeared. Any thoughts? I don’t want to ask my doctor. I have no way of contacting him except to make an appointment and then I would have to tell my wife who would worry incessantly. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2025, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/2 "2025-05-16T02:19:06Z")
Yes it can ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2025, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/3 "2025-05-16T02:19:21Z")
Absolutely. This is a weird example (for this) but I relate it because this happened a week ago to my sister’s dog (so it is fresh in my mind). She came downstairs and saw one of her two dogs writhing on the ground. Sort of flopping around. She thought the dog was having a seizure. She scooped the dog up and drove to the emergency animal hospital. After checking the dog out they decided it was not a seizure but rather an inner ear infection which caused the dog to fall over. Her writhing around was just her trying to get back up but she could not get her balance to do so because she was dizzy. Some medicine and it seems cleared up for the dog (although my sister reports the dog seems a little wigged-out by the whole thing). I can’t think of a reason why the dog would be different than a human in this regard but IANADoctor/Veterinarian. You might want to ask a pharmacist if there are any OTC medications you could try that might help but, of course, seeing your doctor is the best advice. ETA: It is worth noting that it might be some other problem and not the ear. Hence the good reason to see your doctor so they can figure it out. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2025, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/4 "2025-05-16T02:24:19Z")
It’s vertigo. IANAD, but see yours. There’s a reason fluid is in your ear. I know, if I remember correctly, you have issues getting to the doctors office. Is there a nurse-line associated with his practice? ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2025, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/5 "2025-05-16T04:11:35Z")
Yes. An inner ear infection can cause this, but some crystals becoming dislodged in the labyrinth of the inner ear can also cause this. I had crystals become dislodged and it was a miserable experience. It took me over a week to recover until I could drive again. > **[Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benign_paroxysmal_positional_vertigo)** > > Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder arising from a problem in the inner ear. Symptoms are repeated, brief periods of vertigo with movement, characterized by a spinning sensation upon changes in the position of the head. This can occur with turning in bed or changing position. Each episode of vertigo typically lasts less than one minute. Nausea is commonly associated. BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. > BPPV is a type of balance disorder along with labyrinth... If it is crystals, there are head movements you can do. ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2025, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/6 "2025-05-16T08:47:34Z")
No infection needed for your symptoms - the little stones in your ear ( cana **lith** ) that let you balance are out of place. Been there - very disconcerting. Here is how to fix. _The canalith repositioning procedure can help relieve benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a condition that causes brief, but intense, feelings of dizziness and spinning. These sensations also are known as vertigo. They may occur when you move your head._ _Vertigo usually comes from a problem with the part of the inner ear responsible for balance. BPPV occurs when tiny canalith particles, also called otoconia, in one part of the inner ear break loose and fall out of place. They often move into the semicircular canals of the inner ear. This can make you sensitive to movement and cause vertigo._ _The canalith repositioning procedure can move these particles to a part of the ear where they won’t cause dizziness. The procedure uses several simple head movements. It can be done in a health care provider’s office. The procedure is usually effective. The procedure relieves vertigo in about 80% of people after one or two treatments. But the problem may happen again._ > **[Canalith repositioning procedure - Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/canalith-repositioning-procedure/about/pac-20393315)** > > Here's what to expect from the canalith repositioning procedure, a series of simple, effective maneuvers to help relieve a certain type of vertigo. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2025, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/7 "2025-05-16T09:19:29Z")
I’ve had inner ear infections a couple of times-- dizziness, double-vision (some of the time), fatigue, nausea, and low fever (barely a fever-- like, 100.5F). The biggest thing that distinguishes them from a _middle_ ear infection, which is what people usually mean by “ear infection” is pain. Inner ear infections don’t typically hurt, while middle ones can hurt like hell. So don’t let lack of pain make you think you don’t have an infection. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2025, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/8 "2025-05-16T10:15:47Z")
Happened to my Dad, not only was he dizzy, his sense of direction left him for a spell — he’d come out of the house heading for the car and find himself veering off into the neighbors’ yard. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2025, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/9 "2025-05-16T17:46:57Z")
I didn’t see it mentioned, so I’ll add it here: the _canalith repositioning procedure_ mentioned above is also known as the [Epley maneuver](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/home-epley-maneuver), which you can perform yourself, at home. Just be aware that you may have to do it more than once to get relief. It’s how I found out that I have BPPV. . ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2025, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/10 "2025-05-16T20:59:36Z")
My experience seems different from BPPV. And I do know about Epley. My experience was just too specific. It happened **only** when lying down or getting up on my left side. Never during the day (no problem driving), never when I lay down on my right side and the dizziness lasted only a few seconds with no nausea. I do know about the Epley maneuver. I have administered it to my wife who has regular dizzy spells. And thanks Beck , but there is no nursing service I can call. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2025, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/11 "2025-05-16T23:58:03Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > Any thoughts? I don’t want to ask my doctor. I have no way of contacting him except to make an appointment and then I would have to tell my wife who would worry incessantly. I’ve started to visit an urgent care clinic for things like this. Seems to work well and the one I visit is associated with my primary care doctor ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2025, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/12 "2025-05-17T03:15:39Z")
You may have had a mild infection or some other condition that cleared up quickly. Let’s hope it doesn’t return. You also might want to mention it to your doctor next time you go. Doesn’t hurt to inform them about this. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2025, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/13 "2025-05-17T07:05:09Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > My experience seems different from BPPV. And I do know about Epley. > > My experience was just too specific. It happened **only** when lying down or getting up on my left side. Never during the day (no problem driving), never when I lay down on my right side and the dizziness lasted only a few seconds with no nausea. That describes my experience with BPPV exactly, except it’s my right side. I do the Epley on myself. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/14 "2025-05-21T23:48:21Z")
I think BPPV does not spontaneously disappear three weeks later. Has not recurred. I now have an appointment for a checkup with my doctor (who will soon disappear, residency complete and now has an army obligation). I emphasize, there is not the least sign of a recurrence. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2025, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/15 "2025-05-22T00:39:15Z")
Maybe you had a low potassium moment. Eat a banana. 😄 I’m glad you’ve had no recurring problems. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2025, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/16 "2025-05-22T01:14:46Z")
Actually, a couple years ago, I was diagnosed with hyperkalimia (high potassium level) and have to avoid things like bananas. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2025, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/17 "2025-05-22T01:23:12Z")
Well, maybe you avoided it and it worked really good. I don’t know are these thing variable on different days? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2025, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/18 "2025-05-22T03:22:10Z")
Ok but how long do these “ear infections” last? Because I’ve experienced the same thing the OP has. The only difference being that it’s an ongoing problem. It comes and it goes. I thought it was just a getting older thing. Oh and also it’s different that it’s not specific to one side like the OP. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2025, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/19 "2025-05-22T03:33:21Z")
I don’t know…this seems a doctor thing. Have you asked your doctor about this? What was their answer? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2025, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426/20 "2025-05-22T04:20:10Z")
I have not asked my doctor. Mainly because like I said earlier, I thought it was just a getting older thing. It wasn’t something that really concerned me. I’ll ask next time I go in though just to be safe. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-inner-ear-infection-cause-dizziness/1018426.md?page=2)