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Dizziness Caused by Eye Pressure

Dizziness caused by eye pressure could be the result of one of a number of conditions. It may be difficult for a physician to diagnosis. The condition may require extensive testing.

  1. Features

    • Dizziness is a condition that relates to the body's sense of balance. A person suffering from dizziness may lose his balance and may also experience nausea, lightheadedness or syncope (fainting).

    Considerations

    • Dizziness caused by eye pressure may be caused by a brain tumor, a tumor pressing on the optic nerve, glaucoma, sinus pressure, narrowing of the arteries that supply the eye, occlusion of the carotid arteries, hypertension or migraine headache. Dizziness caused by eye pressure is a symptom or condition and not a disease in itself. Dizziness caused by eye pressure may be a warning sign for a stroke that is about to happen. It can also be a symptom of a TIA (transient ischemic attack).

    Testing

    • Anyone experiencing dizziness caused by eye pressure should undergo testing as soon as possible to determine the cause. A physician will normally order a CT scan, MRI, EEG or ultrasound of the carotid arteries to rule out tumors, masses, occlusion of arteries of the brain or occlusion of the carotid arteries. Scans also help diagnosis the presence of brain lesions or severe sinus inflammation. An ophthalmologist may order testing of the eye to determine if glaucoma or some other eye disorder is causing the problem.

    Identifying Factors

    • The person experiencing dizziness caused by eye pressure should keep a diary that describes the episodes. This diary should contain the time that the episode occurred, what the subject was doing at the time of the occurrence, how long the episode lasts and other symptoms such as nausea and loss of vision. This information is valuable to the physician in diagnosing and treating the condition.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for dizziness caused by eye pressure depends upon the diagnosis. Occlusion of arteries of the brain or carotid arteries often require surgery. Tumors require surgery to remove them, or medications or radiation to eradicate them. Sinus infection and inflammation may require the use of antibiotics and decongestants. Treatment for glaucoma or other eye diseases require medications or surgery.

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