Today we are going to answer a question that I frequently hear (FAQ) from my patients which is, “Why do I get dizzy when I look up?”
The answer to that question is that dizziness with looking up – or what we call “Top Shelf Vertigo” – is a common symptom of the most common inner ear disorder, which is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV.
Some people that I have met who are suffering with BPPV only get dizzy when they look up and as soon as they return their head to level their dizziness goes away.
Often they find that the dizziness comes when they’re putting in eyedrops, taking medications, or when they go to the dentist or the hairdresser, while they are lying back in a reclined position looking up.
BPPV is only one of the things that might cause dizziness when looking up and that requires an evaluation by a Vestibular Specialist. You can find a Vestibular Specialist at the Vestibular Disorders Association who is trained to evaluate your symptoms of dizziness with looking up.
Some other conditions that may also cause dizziness with looking up include problems with your neck, such as cervical spondylosis, or problems with the blood flow to your brain.
All of those things should be able to be assessed by a Vestibular Specialist who may be able to treat you themselves or may need to refer you to someone else that specializes in that particular cause of dizziness.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that I might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
I get very dizzy when I look up and can not work over my head.
I feel dizzy when I look up what could be the problem?
Hi Joram,
I hope this blog was helpful to you!
This blog discusses common causes of dizziness with head turns as well.
Also, I recently offered a webinar about “Navigating the Healthcare System as a Dizzy Patient.” My presentation is the first one during the first ever Virtual Vestibular Conference for Balance Awareness Week 2020. I discussed how to present this type of problem to your healthcare provider.
You can purchase access to all the webinars that week including mine for $20 at Vestibular.org.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I get dizzy when looking up, bending over and standing up and rolling over to change positions when in bed. I have good blood pressure and try hard to eat a balanced diet. I have a constant ringing in my ears. This has been going on for a few years and at times is so loud that I cannot understand what people are saying. I have to work on a computer about 7 hrs a day and also have stiffness in my neck and eye strain as a result. I am 65 and worried about this.
Hi there,
I can understand why you would be worried!
I have three suggestions for you – three action steps.
Check out your ergonomics of your desk set up.
Consult a Vestibular Physical Therapist.
Consult an Orthopedic Manual Therapist.
I hope that helps!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I get very light headed and feel as though I could faint when I look up. But this only occurs if I look up while I am standing and am also reaching up (eg. Cleaning a ceiling or wiping cobwebs from up high) then I am fine when I stop reaching and looking up.
Hi Lily,
I am glad you found this article since you are having dizziness with looking up!
This blog may help you learn more about the different causes of dizziness with head motion.
This blog discusses more on the most common inner ear cause of dizziness looking up.
This blog can help you find a Vestibular Provider.
I hope you find answers and get relief soon!
Kind regards,
Kim Bell, DPT
I’ve been suffering this since I was born. I am 29 now and this explains why. Thanks very much for the nice blog.
I have BPPV and was treated by an expert who rotated my head and body around for a few weeks and after severe dizziness, eye movement and vomiting she was able to move “the crystals” into the correct place. Then she couldn’t get it to reoccur again. Problem solved.
Until yesterday when I was laying on a table in a doctors office and *click* the eye movements and severe spinning began again. This is so debilitating – don’t have much hope there is a cure for it.
Hi Doug,
I am sorry to hear this news!
Unfortunately, BPPV does have a fairly high rate of recurrence.
The good news for you is that you already have a provider who is competent to successfully treat you.
This blog and this blog may be helpful as you learn more about BPPV recurrence.
The goal is to get any recurrence of BPPV treated asap, so you can get your life back right away!
In the meantime, this article with home remedies may be helpful.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
I also experience dizziness when looking up. And yes, I have had bouts of vertigo for over 10 years. But, what I question is, can this also be related to heart issues? I have had a heart attack, and have an ejection fraction of 30%..
Hi Trish,
Yes, dizziness can be from heart issues. I suggest that you closely follow the treatment plan given by your cardiologist.
You may also need to see a vestibular provider. You can use this blog to find someone near you.
You may also want to get your neck assessed by a provider on this directory.
I hope you find answers and relief soon!
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Have been diagnosed with PPPD – have had 2 appointments with vestibular physio who has now told me to do eye exercises with sheets of line and left me to do that.
Had a bad day today – when I look up or down I’m lightheaded ? Can you help
Hi Jennifer,
I suggest for you to notify your vestibular physio of how you are feeling and re-direct your questions to that provider.
Since I have not evaluated you in person, I really cannot speculate on the answer.
In general, it is common to feel worse symptoms after completing vestibular exercises.
I would recommend for you to maintain close communication with your vestibular physio, so you can receive individual medical advice from someone who has assessed you in person.
I hope you get some relief soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
I get dizzy anytime I look up. It does not make the room spin horizontal. It makes it spin vertical.
What could cause this?
Also I have very bad hearing.
Hi Gene,
You may benefit from finding a vestibular physical therapist.
This article may help you find someone locally.
This article may help also.
I hope you feel better soon!
I get very dizzy if I look up too quickly, but when I return my head and sight line to a normal forward position afterwards it takes up to several minutes before I am back to normal.
During this time before everything goes back to normal I am very dizzy and light headed to the point where I cannot walk straight or see very clearly and I get a little nauseous.
Wasn’t born with it. I am now 57 and I’ve had this for about 12 years.
Noticed it while playing baseball looking up at a fly ball. I couldn’t catch it because I was disoriented.
Thanks
Hi Mark,
This article may be helpful.
This article may also be useful to you.
I suggest consulting both a vestibular physical therapist and an orthopedic physical therapist.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT