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