We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

The Room Suddenly Started Spinning, But This Was No Ordinary Case of Vertigo

Not all cases of vertigo are created equal. Was this woman's dizziness from a harmless inner-ear imbalance — or something much more serious?

By Tony Dajer
May 15, 2021 7:00 PM
Spin Doc
(Credit: Kellie Jaeger/Discover)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

This article appeared in the June 2021 issue of Discover magazine as "Spin Doctor." Subscribe for more stories like these.


The stately woman in the buttoned-up nightgown looked on as Iris, my second-year resident, related the history.

“Ms. Baker is a 60-year-old in good health,” she began. “Only takes a blood pressure pill. Early this morning, the room suddenly started spinning and she retched once. Denies headache, neck pain, arm or leg weakness or vision change. Says her face feels tingly on the left. On the physical exam, she drifted to the left when I had her walk.”

“Any tingling or numbness on the right arm or leg?” I asked.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.