Why are you experiencing ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and severe vertigo with lupus?
Lupus can damage nerves throughout your body, including those near your ears and head. This nerve damage can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus) as a symptom of peripheral neuropathy - when inflammation affects nerves outside the brain Show Full Answer
Why are you experiencing ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and severe vertigo with lupus?
Lupus can damage nerves throughout your body, including those near your ears and head. This nerve damage can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus) as a symptom of peripheral neuropathy - when inflammation affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Since your ENT doctor found no problems with your ear structure, the ringing and vertigo may be related to lupus affecting your nervous system. This is especially important to address because these symptoms can indicate neurological involvement. What you should do:
You need to work with your rheumatologist about these symptoms. They may refer you to a neurologist to evaluate if lupus is affecting your nervous system.
Symptoms to monitor include:
* Sudden severe ringing followed by vertigo
* Facial pain or drooping
* Vision changes
* Muscle weakness
* Tingling or numbness in other areas
The combination of tinnitus and severe vertigo episodes suggests your nervous system may need evaluation and possibly adjusted lupus treatment to reduce inflammation affecting your nerves. When to seek emergency care:
If you experience severe, sudden headaches with stiff neck, trouble walking or speaking, numbness or paralysis, or seizures along with your vertigo, seek emergency care immediately.
Don't wait to discuss these symptoms with your rheumatology team - nerve-related lupus symptoms often respond well to treatment when caught early.
March 4