Dizziness after recovering from COVID-19
Jan 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
"Yang Guo" refers to recovery from a novel coronavirus infection. If a patient experiences dizziness after recovering, it may be due to non-medical factors such as physical weakness or lack of sleep, or could result from conditions like vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or damage to the brain nerves. It is recommended that patients alleviate dizziness through general management, medication, surgical treatment, and other appropriate approaches.
"Post-COVID" refers to recovery from a novel coronavirus infection. If patients experience dizziness after recovering, it may be caused by non-medical factors such as physical weakness or lack of sleep, or it could result from medical conditions such as vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or damage to the cranial nerves. It is recommended that patients alleviate dizziness through general management, medication, or surgical treatment as appropriate.
I. Non-disease Factors
1. Physical Weakness
Recovering from COVID-19 indicates that the illness is gradually subsiding, but does not mean the body has fully healed. If patients do not consume sufficient nutrients to meet their energy needs, they may remain physically weak and prone to dizziness. Patients should focus on eating light, nutritious, and easily digestible foods such as egg custard or noodles; drink plenty of warm water to stay hydrated; avoid staying up late, get adequate bed rest, and refrain from overexertion.
2. Sleep Deprivation
After contracting the novel coronavirus, physical discomfort may disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to insufficient sleep. Even after recovery, sleep quality might not immediately return to normal. Chronic sleep deprivation can cause symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. Patients should maintain regular sleep schedules—going to bed early and waking up early—and ensure sufficient sleep duration, avoiding late nights.
II. Disease-related Factors
1. Inflammatory Stimulation
Following a novel coronavirus infection, lung inflammation may stimulate the body, causing fever and central nervous system dysfunction, which in turn leads to dizziness. In such cases, patients may take antipyretic and anti-inflammatory medications such as nimesulide tablets or acetaminophen tablets under medical guidance.
2. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
The novel coronavirus may lead to degeneration of the otolithic membrane or displacement of otoconia within the semicircular canals, resulting in BPPV. This condition causes dizziness accompanied by symptoms such as nystagmus, nausea, and vomiting. Under a doctor's supervision, patients may take medications like Ginkgo biloba extract (e.g., Ginaton) or betahistine mesylate tablets to improve inner ear circulation. In severe cases, surgical intervention such as posterior semicircular canal occlusion may be required.
3. Cranial Nerve Damage
After invading the body, the novel coronavirus can spread via the bloodstream throughout the body and potentially affect the cranial nerves, leading to cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, which manifest as dizziness and headaches. In such instances, antiviral medications such as Lianhua Qingwen capsules or compound Honeysuckle granules should be taken under medical supervision.
