What causes dizziness one week after diagnosis of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?

From the Guidelines

Dizziness after a COVID-19 diagnosis is common and typically improves with time, with the most recent evidence suggesting it is part of post-COVID syndrome or "long COVID" 1. The exact cause of dizziness one week after diagnosis of COVID-19 can be attributed to various factors, including:

• Neurological and cognitive symptoms, such as sensorimotor symptoms, memory loss, cognitive impairment, paresthesia, dizziness, and balance issues, which are a major feature of long COVID 1
• Audiovestibular manifestations of long COVID, including tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo 1
• Activation of the kynurenine pathway, which has been identified in long COVID and is associated with cognitive impairment 1
• Neuroinflammation, damage to blood vessels, and injury to neurons, which are possible mechanisms for these neuropathologies 1

To manage dizziness, it is recommended to:

• Rest and stay hydrated while recovering, drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily
• Use over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 650mg every 6 hours as needed to help with associated symptoms
• Avoid sudden position changes by rising slowly from sitting or lying down
• Ensure adequate nutrition and consider adding electrolyte drinks if you've had decreased appetite
• Seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe dizziness with fainting, inability to walk, chest pain, shortness of breath, or if symptoms persist beyond 2-3 weeks

Most patients see improvement within 2-4 weeks as the body recovers from the viral infection. However, some individuals may experience persistent symptoms, and it is essential to monitor their condition and adjust treatment accordingly.

From the Research

Causes of Dizziness

The causes of dizziness can be broadly categorized into peripheral and central etiologies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

• Peripheral etiologies are usually benign and can include: + Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) + Orthostatic hypotension + Vestibular neuritis + Meniere disease
• Central etiologies are often more serious and can include: + Stroke + Multiple sclerosis + Vestibular migraine

Evaluation of Dizziness

The evaluation of dizziness typically involves a focused history and physical examination 2, 4, 5, 6.

• The history should focus on the timing and triggers of the dizziness, as well as any associated symptoms such as hearing loss or tinnitus
• The physical examination may include: + Orthostatic blood pressure measurement + A full cardiac and neurologic examination + Assessment for nystagmus + The Dix-Hallpike maneuver (for patients with triggered dizziness) + The HINTS (head-impulse, nystagmus, test of skew) examination

COVID-19 and Dizziness

There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest a specific cause of dizziness one week after diagnosis of COVID-19. However, it is possible that COVID-19 could contribute to dizziness through various mechanisms, such as:

• Vestibular dysfunction
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Dehydration
• Medication side effects

It is essential to note that the provided studies do not specifically address the relationship between COVID-19 and dizziness. Therefore, the causes of dizziness in this context are speculative and would require further investigation 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.