Inner ear?

[ALTSELGREEN]

Have always suffered with generally minor ear problems usually when I've flown with the sniffles and such like. The last time was a couple of months ago when I had a mild sinus infection. However across the weekend, I have had two episodes affecting my balance. I can only describe them as like having a rug pulled out from under ones feet. This sensation lasted maybe a second or two- no more. I have not been sick, have no pain, only a very slight feeling of pressure in my left ear. I can't say that I feel dizzy now, but feel lightheaded (punch drunk spaced out type sensation) almost constantly. Also feel a bit more tired than usual. Having searched the forums, could be some sort of vestibular problem? Although my symptoms don't seem as severe as some have experienced. Any thoughts ahead of GP appointment tomorrow?

[Loose rivets]

Meniere's disease perhaps. Lots of other possibilities.

Hopefully just an infection, but always treat it as serious.

Don't let GP fob you off, the actual cause needs to be found with some certainty.

[stilton]

This is exactly how my vestibular problems started.


Get to a specialist (Neurotologist) ASAP to get treated.


I have been out on disability for 4 years.


Take this very seriously.

[homesick rae]

Had something very similar several years back. Turned out I had a severe infection in one ear and some bits of cotton from a Q Tip in the other. They flushed me ears and gave my antibiotics and I was fine after a week or so. But needs top be checked.

[gingernut]

I had those symptoms over the weekend. As the weather warmed this week, it seems more settled.

After a 2 day history, I'm tempted mot to mention it to my AME at this stage.

[ALTSELGREEN]

I think that would be a good course of action GN.
My doctor thinks its Sinus related due to the pressure sensations in face and ear.
To be reviewed early next week. Still fuzzy headed. He did say definitely not the dreaded Meniere's.
Could be chronic Sinusitis as had last sinus trouble a few months back. Also the guy I saw then thought I had classic Post Nasal Drip symptoms which seem to go hand in hand following a bit of research. Dunno really

[BWBI]

Just had the same thing but Diagnosed as vertigo - lasted 10 minutes or so ( weeding on my allotment at the time! will eat out in future as less dangerous! ) Now into my second of 2 month ban from flying solo on doctors orders! so far not repeated its self.

I fly on a UK NPPL licence with a medical issued by my Doctor. The future for my flying would be far from good if I suffered another attack ( my Doctors words not mine )

[hawkerjet]

ten years ago, I had a similar problem, but one that persisted and then became permanent. I was diagnosed with an inner ear infection. After 9 months and my 3rd MRI, a grad student found it. I had a tumor on my hearing nerve which masked the original symptoms and mimicked the inner ear infection symptoms. A cat scan is useless, get an MRI.

I had the tumor removed, lost a tiny bit of hearing on that one side and regained my First class medical.

[ALTSELGREEN]

Just an update. Formal diagnosis by GP is sinusitis, which is written on my doctors notes. Didn't think bouts of this would last beyond three weeks though. Asked for referral to top ENT, who I see next week, just to find out what is going on.
Still have feeling of pressure deep in the spaces behind the nose. This is accompanied from time to time by the sensation of a blocked eustachian tube (fullness) in the left ear and mild tinnitus. Swallowing appears to give some relief. Have been given stronger antibiotics, but these dont seem to have touched any of the symptoms. With regard to balance-(Blood pressure is fine- and checked by 24 hour monitor to rule that out) still feel woozy and spaced out a lot of the time- a feeling that is oddly worse in large spaces?? And sometimes feel a little off balance when moving head suddenly- although this is infrequent now. I am soon going to be in the time frame where I have to report the situation. Work have been fine and understanding. The GP mentioned that all these symptons go hand in hand with sinus infections, but also said that there could be a possible inner ear infection. The thing is I don't feel ill- but I just don't feel right. Have even forced the wife to do most of the driving and certainly wouldn't fly like it. Anyone have any further thoughts?